Interferon gamma blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Interferon gamma is a cytokine made mainly by T cells and natural killer cells. It activates macrophages, the immune cells that engulf and destroy infected cells, and helps the body fight viruses, tuberculosis and other intracellular infections. It also plays a part in inflammation in some autoimmune conditions.

This test measures the level of interferon gamma circulating in your blood. It is different from the interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) used to check for tuberculosis, which measures how your white cells respond to TB proteins in the laboratory. Circulating interferon gamma has a limited role as a stand-alone test and is mainly used by specialists alongside other investigations.

The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• Your specialist has asked for interferon gamma as part of an immune assessment.
• You are reviewing inflammation markers with a practitioner and want additional detail.
• You are completing a broad health review that includes immune signalling markers.
• You want a baseline before discussing immune health with your practitioner.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your interferon gamma level with the laboratory reference range. In many healthy people the level is low or barely detectable. Higher levels may be seen during infections, in some inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, and after recent vaccination, so the marker is not specific to one cause.

Any reading outside the range is something to explore with your practitioner rather than a diagnosis. They read it with your symptoms and other markers, such as blood count and ESR, and explains whether further testing or a review with your GP is worthwhile.

Preparing for your test

You may eat and drink normally beforehand. Tell us if you have had an infection or vaccination in the past few weeks, or if you take steroids, immunosuppressants or biological medicines, as these can change cytokine levels. Any extra preparation will be confirmed at booking.

If you are worried about tuberculosis, please speak to your GP about the specific TB blood test. For a general view of immune and blood health, a Full Blood Count shows white cell numbers, and Tired All The Time looks at common causes of fatigue. Look over every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an interferon gamma test in Chiswick?

The interferon gamma test is £129 at Omnia Lifestyle. That includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Is this a test for tuberculosis?

No. TB is checked with an interferon gamma release assay, which works differently. This test measures circulating interferon gamma only.

What can raise interferon gamma?

Infections, recent vaccinations, and some autoimmune and inflammatory conditions can all raise it, which is why it is read in context.

Can this test diagnose an immune disorder?

No. It adds information to a wider assessment, which may include other blood tests and specialist review.