Interleukin-5 (IL-5) concentration in serum/plasma
This test measures the amount of interleukin-5, a protein involved in regulating immune responses, particularly in the production of B cells and eosinophils.
["IL-5 helps your immune system respond to certain infections and allergies."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 108731-1
- Short code
- Il5 Msmt SerPl
- Synonyms
- Il5 Msmt SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Interleukin-5 Used For?
IL-5 is primarily measured when doctors suspect conditions affecting immune cell production, such as allergic disorders, certain cancers (e.g., chronic lymphocytic leukemia), or immune system disorders like hypereosinophilic syndrome. It may also be checked in research or clinical trials studying immune responses.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum or plasma, which is sent to the lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect IL-5 levels.
What Does a High or Low IL-5 Level Mean?
Elevated IL-5 levels may indicate overactive immune responses, such as in allergic reactions, eosinophilic disorders, or certain autoimmune conditions. Lower levels might suggest immune suppression or conditions affecting B cell function.
Common Conditions Monitored
IL-5 testing is often used in diagnosing or monitoring conditions like allergic diseases, eosinophilic syndromes, or as part of broader immune evaluations in patients with suspected hematologic malignancies.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: IL-5 plays a key role in immune regulation, particularly in allergic inflammation and eosinophil proliferation. Elevated levels can guide treatment decisions for conditions like asthma, chronic urticaria, or eosinophilic leukemias, while monitoring helps assess response to therapies targeting immune pathways.
Short name
IL-5 Serum/Plasma
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order an IL-5 test?
Is there any preparation needed for this test?
How long will it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy