Interleukin-5 blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is a cytokine made mainly by type 2 helper T cells and some innate immune cells. Its key job is to stimulate the bone marrow to produce eosinophils and to keep them active. Eosinophils help defend against parasites but also play a large part in allergic inflammation, particularly in some types of asthma.

Medicines that block IL-5 are now used for severe eosinophilic asthma, which has increased interest in this pathway. In routine practice, though, clinicians usually look at the eosinophil count on a full blood count rather than measuring IL-5. Blood IL-5 is an emerging, specialist marker with limited use as a stand-alone screen.

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 or allergies and your practitioner wants extra detail on eosinophil-related inflammation.
• A full blood count showed a raised eosinophil count and you are exploring it further.
• You are reviewing a set of interleukins as part of an in-depth check.
• You want a baseline value and understand this is a research-based marker.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your IL-5 value and the laboratory reference range. A raised IL-5 may fit with allergic or eosinophilic inflammation, and can also be seen with some parasitic infections. Many healthy people have very low levels, often near the limit the laboratory can measure.

Your practitioner will compare your result with your eosinophil count, symptoms and history. A value outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis, and asthma treatment decisions should stay with your GP or respiratory team.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. Keep using your inhalers and other prescribed treatments as normal, and tell us if you take steroid tablets or a biological treatment for asthma, as these strongly affect eosinophils and IL-5. Mention any recent travel, as some infections acquired abroad can raise IL-5.

A Full Blood Count includes the eosinophil count, the usual first test. IL-5 is also part of Omnia Signature, and for allergy triggers see the Allergy Plus Panel. You can browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an interleukin-5 test in Chiswick?

An interleukin-5 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.

How is IL-5 related to eosinophils?

IL-5 is the main signal that tells the bone marrow to make eosinophils and keeps them active, so the two are closely linked.

Is IL-5 testing needed before asthma biological treatment?

Not usually. Specialists generally use the blood eosinophil count and clinical assessment to decide on these treatments.

Can a high IL-5 diagnose asthma or allergy?

No. It may support a picture of allergic inflammation, but diagnosis depends on a clinical assessment and validated tests.