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 certain white blood cells.
["IL-5 helps your immune system respond to allergies and chronic inflammation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33938-2
- Short code
- Il5 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Il5 SerPl-mCnc
- 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 studied in the context of allergic diseases, asthma, and certain autoimmune conditions. It may also be monitored in research or clinical trials investigating immune-related disorders.
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 a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect IL-5 levels.
What Might Abnormal Results Indicate?
Elevated IL-5 levels may suggest an overactive immune response, such as in severe allergies, asthma, or certain inflammatory conditions. Lower-than-expected levels might be associated with suppressed immune function or rare genetic disorders affecting cytokine production.
Common Conditions Monitored with IL-5 Testing
IL-5 testing is often used in research settings or specialized clinical scenarios, including allergic reactions, chronic inflammatory diseases, and as part of immune monitoring in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: IL-5 plays a key role in the differentiation of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) and is linked to allergic inflammation. Elevated levels may indicate active allergic conditions or eosinophilic disorders, while lower levels could suggest immune dysregulation or treatment effects in certain therapies.
Short name
IL-5 Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order this test?
What do my results mean?
Is this test painful or uncomfortable?
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