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Test Code IL5P Interleukin 5, Plasma


Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Immediately after specimen collection, place the tube on wet ice.

2. Centrifuge at 4° C, 1500 x g for 10 minutes.

3. Aliquot plasma into plastic vial.

4. Freeze specimen within 2 hours of collection.

5. Specimens received at ambient temperature will be canceled.


Useful For

Evaluation of patients with disorders known to be associated with hypereosinophilia

Method Name

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL)

Reporting Name

Interleukin 5, P

Specimen Type

Plasma EDTA

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Plasma EDTA Frozen (preferred) 21 days
  Refrigerated  24 hours

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK
Heat-treated specimen Reject

Clinical Information

Interleukin-5 (IL-5), a homodimer composed of two 20-kDa subunits, is expressed primarily by CD4+ Th2 (helper T cells, subset 2) cells and, to a lesser extent, by activated mast cells.(1,2) IL-5 acts on mature eosinophils, leading to proliferation, activation, differentiation, and survival.

 

IL-5 plays a critical role in the host immune response to helminthic infections and has been implicated in the pathology of certain allergic diseases, asthma, and vasculitis.(1-3) In these diseases, it is associated with significant increase in levels of eosinophils, a condition referred to as hypereosinophilia. IL-5 is known to activate eosinophils, which interact through their Fc receptors to bind helminths that have been opsonized by IgG or IgA specific antibodies.(1) Of the other diseases associated with IL-5 and hypereosinophilia, those of the skin and airways (urticaria, asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis [EGPA]) have received considerable attention recently due to availability of therapies that target the IL-5 pathways.(4) In EPGA, increased levels of IL-5 have been seen in a subset of patients with implications for disease management.(4,5) The IL-5 pathway-directed therapies have been approved for use in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. With availability of these therapies, it is likely that IL-5 cytokine testing may be used to identify patients at-risk for disease.

Reference Values

≤1.0 pg/mL

Interpretation

Elevated concentrations of interleukin-5 (IL-5) may indicate an expanded Th2 (helper T cells, subset 2)-immune response, which may be associated with hypereosinophilia.

Cautions

Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is a nonspecific marker associated with a Th2 (helper T cells, subset 2)-immune response and is not diagnostic for any specific disease or disease process. Elevated concentrations of IL-5 must be interpreted within the clinical context of the patient.

 

Normal concentrations of IL-5 do not exclude the possibility of a Th2-immune response or hypereosinophilia.

 

IL-5 has limited stability. Following centrifugation, plasma must be either immediately frozen or refrigerated. Samples can only be stored at refrigerated temperatures for 24 hours, after which time samples must be frozen. Storage of plasma for any length of time at room temperature is not acceptable.

Method Description

The interleukin-5 (IL-5) cytokine assay measures human cytokines in a 96-well spotted plate. The assay employs a sandwich immunoassay format where capture antibodies are coated on a single spot on the bottom of each well. Diluted samples, calibrators, and controls are added and to the plate. If present, IL-5 will bind to the capture antibodies. After incubation, a solution containing detection antibodies conjugated with electrochemiluminescent labels is added. After a final incubation, a buffer is added that creates the appropriate chemical environment for electrochemiluminescence. The plate is then read on the MSD QuickPlex SQ120. The machine applies a voltage that causes bound labels to emit measurable light. The MSD QuickPlex SQ120 measures the intensity of emitted light and correlates it to a set of standards of known quantity via a 4-point logistics curve fitting method.(Unpublished Mayo method)

Day(s) Performed

Wednesday

Report Available

2 to 8 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

83520

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
IL5P Interleukin 5, P 33938-2

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
36519 Interleukin 5, P 33938-2