sTNFR-II blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

The tumour necrosis factor (TNF) pathway is one of the main ways the immune system triggers and controls inflammation. TNF acts through two receptors. Receptor II is found mostly on immune cells and the cells lining blood vessels, and it is involved in regulating immune responses and supporting tissue repair as well as inflammation. When it is activated, part of the receptor is shed into the bloodstream as soluble TNF receptor II, or sTNFR-II.

sTNFR-II has been studied in research on immune activity, autoimmune conditions, metabolic health and kidney function in diabetes. It is an emerging marker that is mainly used alongside other tests and a clinical assessment, and it has limited use as a stand-alone screen. It is not part of routine NHS testing.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. No GP referral is needed.

Who it is for

• You are working with a practitioner on a detailed review of inflammation and immune activity.
• You have an autoimmune or long-term inflammatory condition and want to explore additional markers.
• You have diabetes and are interested in markers studied in relation to kidney health.
• Your specialist has requested sTNFR-II, or you are tracking a previous result.

Understanding your result

sTNFR-II levels can rise with immune activation, infection, autoimmune disease, obesity, insulin resistance and reduced kidney function, since the kidneys help clear it. Because of this overlap, the result is not specific to any condition. Your practitioner will read it alongside eGFR, CRP and your history, and may compare it with sTNFR-I if both have been measured.

Your report shows the laboratory reference range. A result outside it is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. Book when you are well, as an infection can temporarily raise immune markers, and avoid intense exercise the day before. Let us know about steroids, immune-suppressing medicines and biologic therapies, and about any recent vaccinations or surgery. We will confirm any further preparation when you book.

sTNFR-II sits with other specialist immune markers in Omnia Signature, where it is read within a full health review. You can also browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an sTNFR-II blood test in Chiswick?

An sTNFR-II test costs £109. This covers your sample at our clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

How does sTNFR-II differ from sTNFR-I?

Receptor I is found on nearly all cells, while receptor II is found mainly on immune and blood vessel cells. Their soluble forms reflect slightly different parts of TNF activity.

Can sTNFR-II diagnose an autoimmune condition?

No. Autoimmune conditions are diagnosed by a specialist using symptoms, examination and established antibody and inflammation tests.

Will my TNF-blocking medicine affect the result?

It may. Some biologic treatments work on this pathway, so tell your practitioner what you take and when your last dose was.