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A blood test that measures how well your immune cells (T-cells) respond to stimulation by checking interferon gamma production.
{"Measures immune cell function by detecting interferon gamma after mitogen stimulation","Helps diagnose immune deficiencies and evaluate cell-mediated immunity","Requires a blood sample collected through venipuncture","Results help doctors assess how your body fights infections","No special preparation is typically needed before the test"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 71774-4
- Short code
- IFN-Gamma Mitogen Stim
- Synonyms
- Mitogen IGNF bckgrd cor Bld-aCnc
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lithium heparin green-top tube or sodium heparin tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 25
- Ref high
- 200
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Flow cytometry with intracellular cytokine staining following mitogen stimulation
- CPT
- 86480
- SNOMED
- 122441009
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Specimen must be processed within 8-12 hours of collection. Store at room temperature (20-25°C). Do not refrigerate or freeze.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Mitogen-Stimulated Gamma Interferon test measures the amount of interferon gamma (a type of protein called a cytokine) produced by your white blood cells after they are stimulated with mitogens. Mitogens are substances that trigger immune cells to become active and multiply. This test evaluates how well your T-cells (a type of white blood cell important for fighting infections) function.
Why is it performed?
This test is primarily used to assess cell-mediated immunity, which is your body's ability to fight certain types of infections and diseases. Doctors may order this test to: diagnose immunodeficiencies (conditions where the immune system doesn't work properly), evaluate immune function in people with recurrent infections, assess T-cell function, and sometimes monitor immune response in certain diseases.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is then taken to a laboratory where it is mixed with mitogens (stimulation agents) and incubated. After incubation, the laboratory measures the amount of interferon gamma produced by the cells. The result is compared to a baseline (background) measurement to get an accurate assessment of how your cells respond to stimulation.
What do the results mean?
Normal results indicate that your immune cells respond appropriately to stimulation. Abnormal results (low interferon gamma production) may suggest an immune deficiency, poor T-cell function, or other conditions affecting the immune system. Your doctor will interpret your results in context with your overall health and other test findings.
Reference range
NCBI: CK 25-200 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Patient may eat and drink normally before collection. Inform laboratory of immunosuppressive medications as they may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Is the test safe?
How long does it take to get results?
Can this test diagnose specific diseases?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy