Inflammation is a key response of the body to infection, tissue injury, or other stressors. Early detection is critical because timely recognition can guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine released by immune cells in response to infection or tissue damage. Its levels rise within 2 hours, significantly earlier than PCT (>2 hours) and CRP (>6 hours). This rapid increase makes IL-6 a valuable marker for early detection of systemic inflammation across a variety of clinical scenarios.
Figure: Kinetics of Key Inflammatory Markers After Bacterial Infection
2. Practical Value of IL-6 Testing
In clinical practice, IL-6 is used across multiple scenarios:
● Hospitals and clinics: Early detection of sepsis and other acute inflammatory conditions.
● Laboratories: Rapid and reliable measurement of IL-6 supports timely reporting and monitoring.
● Specialized departments: Post-surgical care, transplant units, pulmonary wards, and oncology can use IL-6 to assess infection, tissue injury, immune response, or tumor progression.
3. Core Advantages of Poclight IL-6 Test Kit
(1) High Sensitivity & Wide Range
● Detects IL-6 down to 1.5 pg/mL with a range of 1.5–5000 pg/mL, covering early-stage inflammation to severe conditions.
(2) Small Sample Volume & Rapid Results
● Only 100 μL of serum or plasma needed, with 15-minute turnaround, ideal for fast clinical decisions.
(3) Room-Temperature Lyophilized Reagents
● Freeze-dried reagents require no cold chain and have a shelf life of 18 months, simplifying storage and transport.
(4) Easy-to-Use:
● Applicable with the C5000 POC CLIA Analyzer: 3-Step Operation, Maintenance-Free Design
● QR code-based standard curve calibration
● Minimal upkeep make operation simple and reliable
3.1 Assay Specification
|
Item |
Specification / Value |
|
Detection Limit (LOD) |
1.5 pg/mL |
|
Measurement Range |
1.5~5000 pg/mL |
|
Sample Volume |
100 μL |
|
Sample Type |
Serum / Plasma |
|
Assay Time / Turnaround |
15 min |
|
Precision (CV%) |
<5% |
|
Cut-off value |
≤7 pg/mL normal |
3.2 Results Interpretation
|
IL-6 Level (pg/mL) |
Clinical Interpretation |
|
< 7 |
Normal |
|
7–150 |
Indicates mild inflammation or mild infection |
|
150–250 |
Suggests general bacterial infection or systemic inflammatory response |
|
> 250 |
Strongly suggests sepsis or severe systemic inflammation |
Ready for fast, accurate POC IL-6 testing?
Contact us today and experience how Poclight can upgrade your workflow!