Interleukin-17F blood test in Chiswick
Interleukin-17F (IL-17F) is a close relative of IL-17A that helps drive inflammation at skin and mucosal surfaces. This specialist test is booked for follow-up of immune and inflammation questions, read with a practitioner.
What the test measures
IL-17F is produced by Th17 cells and several other immune cells. It shares about half of its structure with IL-17A and works through the same receptor complex, though it is generally weaker. Like IL-17A, it supports defence against fungi such as Candida and some bacteria, and it contributes to chronic inflammation in conditions such as psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa and some forms of spondyloarthritis.
Interest in IL-17F has grown because newer treatments block both IL-17A and IL-17F. Even so, measuring IL-17F in the blood is not part of routine NHS care, and the results are not used to diagnose or guide treatment on their own. It is a specialist marker, mainly useful alongside other investigations and an assessment by a clinician.
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
- A specialist has asked for IL-17F alongside other immune markers.
- You have an inflammatory skin or joint condition and are discussing immune pathways with a practitioner.
- You have recurrent fungal infections of the skin or mouth and your practitioner wants extra context.
- You are completing a broad wellness review that includes cytokines.
Understanding your result
Your report shows your IL-17F level with the laboratory reference range. Levels in healthy people are often very low. A higher reading may reflect ongoing inflammation, but the marker can change with infection, medicines and other factors, so it does not identify a cause on its own.
Your practitioner treats any reading outside the range as a prompt to look more widely, not as a diagnosis. They can suggest established tests or a referral through your GP if your symptoms point to a condition that needs specialist care.
Preparing for your test
There is nothing special to do beforehand and you do not need to fast. Please tell us about any immune-modifying medicines, steroid creams used over large areas, or a recent infection, since these can influence cytokine levels.
IL-17F is part of Omnia Signature, which measures many markers together. Because thrush can keep returning when blood sugar is high, HbA1c may also be useful. Take a look at every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is an Interleukin-17F test in Chiswick?
The Interleukin-17F test is £129 at our Chiswick clinic. The price includes your blood sample, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.
Why would someone test IL-17F rather than IL-17A?
Some specialists measure both because they act together. IL-17F may be raised in certain conditions where IL-17A is not, but neither is a stand-alone test.
Does IL-17F relate to fungal infections?
Yes. The IL-17 pathway helps protect against Candida, and rare inherited defects in it can cause recurrent fungal infections, which a specialist would investigate.
Will this test change my treatment?
Treatment decisions are based on your condition and clinical assessment. This result adds context for your practitioner and specialist.
