Interferon-alpha Test

Interferon-alpha Blood Test - More Information

The interferon-alpha test, also known as an interferon-alpha lab test and IFNalpha test, measures the interferon alpha blood level.

Interferon alpha is a type of cytokine produced by cells in the immune system, including monocytes/macrophages, lymphoblastic cells and fibroblasts. Because of interferon-alpha's role in the immune system and because it enhances the effectiveness of the immune system, elevated interferon-alpha blood levels suggest an ongoing infection (primarily viral or parasitic) or a recently resolved one. This interferon alpha blood test is frequently ordered with the interleukin-1 test, interleukin-2 test, interleukin-6 test and the TNF blood test.

To get an interferon-alpha test near you, just order online and get your blood drawn at the Quest Diagnostics lab that you selected. Once your IFNalpha lab report is ready, it will be available for download. As can be seen on the sample interferon alpha lab results, the interferon alpha blood level will be reported as a number which can be compared against the reference range provided by the lab. Please note that this interferon-alpha blood test was performed using a kit that has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. The analytical performance characteristics of this IFN alpha test have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. This test should not be used for diagnosis without confirmation by other medically established means.

Interferon-alpha is also a pharmaceutical drug marketed under the name Multiferon. As a pharmaceutical agent, interferon-alpha augments the immune system by helping develop and active B cells and natural killer (NK) cells.