Interleukin-13 blood test in Chiswick
An interleukin-13 (IL-13) blood test measures an immune messenger involved in allergic inflammation, asthma and eczema. It is a specialist research marker, reviewed with a practitioner and read alongside established allergy and inflammation tests.
What the test measures
Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a cytokine produced mainly by a group of immune cells called type 2 helper T cells, along with mast cells and some other cells. It drives the kind of immune response seen in allergy: it encourages the production of IgE antibodies, increases mucus in the airways and contributes to inflammation in the skin and lungs.
IL-13 is an important target in research, and some modern treatments for eczema and asthma work by blocking it. Measuring it in the blood, however, is a specialist test with limited routine use. It is not part of standard NHS allergy testing and should not be used alone to diagnose or rule out allergic conditions. It is best read with tests such as total IgE and specific allergy panels.
The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result with you, and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- You have asthma, eczema or hay fever and your practitioner has suggested an additional marker.
- You are already having allergy blood tests and want extra detail on allergic-type inflammation.
- You are exploring a group of interleukins as part of an in-depth review.
- You would like a baseline value and understand this is a research-based marker.
Understanding your result
Your report shows your IL-13 value and the laboratory reference range. Higher values may suggest more active allergic-type inflammation, though blood levels do not always reflect what is happening in the skin or airways. Many healthy people have levels close to the lowest amount the laboratory can detect.
Your practitioner will put your value in context with your symptoms, history and other test results. A value outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis, and asthma or eczema management should continue as agreed with your GP or specialist.
Preparing for your test
No fasting is needed. Continue your usual inhalers and creams. Let us know if you take steroid tablets, antihistamines or a biological medicine for asthma or eczema, as these can affect immune signalling. If possible, test when you have been free of colds and chest infections for two weeks.
If allergy is your main question, the Allergy Essentials Panel measures IgE to common triggers. IL-13 is also part of Omnia Signature. You can also compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is an interleukin-13 test in Chiswick?
An interleukin-13 blood test at Omnia Lifestyle costs £109. The price covers your sample in Chiswick, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.
Is IL-13 an allergy test?
Not in the usual sense. It reflects a type of immune signalling linked with allergy, but it does not show what you are allergic to. Allergy panels measuring IgE are more useful for that.
Should I stop my asthma or eczema treatment before testing?
No. Please keep using prescribed treatments and tell us what you take. Stopping them could make your symptoms worse.
Can IL-13 diagnose asthma?
No. Asthma is diagnosed through symptoms, breathing tests and a clinical assessment by your GP or a specialist.
