Interleukin-15 blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a cytokine produced by many cell types, including immune cells, muscle and the lining of the gut. Its main role is to help natural killer cells and certain memory T cells develop, survive and stay ready to respond to viruses. It also has roles outside the immune system and has been studied in relation to muscle and metabolism.

IL-15 has been explored in research into autoimmune, inflammatory and gut conditions, including coeliac disease. As a blood test, it is an emerging, specialist marker with no established role in routine NHS care and limited use as a stand-alone screen. It adds most when read with established tests and a clinical assessment.

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

• Your practitioner thinks a cytokine measurement could add to a wider assessment.
• You have an autoimmune or inflammatory condition and are looking for additional information.
• You are reviewing several interleukins together.
• You want a baseline value and understand the marker has limited routine use.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your IL-15 value and the laboratory reference range. Higher values may suggest increased immune activation, which can occur with infection, inflammatory conditions or some autoimmune processes. Blood levels are generally low in healthy people and can shift with short-term illness.

IL-15 has no agreed cut-off for diagnosing any condition, so your practitioner will interpret it alongside your history and other results. An unusual value is a reason to talk things through, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. Try to test when you have been free of infections and vaccinations for at least two weeks, and avoid unusually intense exercise for a day or two beforehand, as muscle activity may influence some cytokines. Tell us about any immune-modifying medicines. Our team will let you know of any other preparation at booking.

IL-15 is one of the immune signalling markers in Omnia Signature. If gut symptoms are your main concern, the Coeliac Antibody Check is a validated starting point. You can also see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an interleukin-15 test in Chiswick?

An interleukin-15 blood test at Omnia Lifestyle costs £109. This includes the sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

What does IL-15 do in the body?

It helps maintain natural killer cells and memory T cells, parts of the immune system that recognise and respond to virus-infected cells.

Can IL-15 test for coeliac disease?

No. Although IL-15 is studied in coeliac research, coeliac disease is tested with antibody blood tests and confirmed by a specialist.

Is IL-15 worth testing on its own?

For most people, no. It is best added to established tests when your practitioner feels the extra detail will help.