Interleukin-2, Serum

Test ID: 

705164

CPT code:

83520

Synonyms:

IL-2

IL2

Clinical Use:

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced primarily by mitogen- or antigen- activated T lymphocytes.1 IL-2 plays a role in promoting the clonal expansion of antigen-specific cytotoxic and suppressor T cells. In vitro studies suggest that IL-2 may also be produced by dendritic cells and certain lymphoma cell lines. In addition, IL-2 has been shown to mediate multiple immune responses on a variety of cell types. IL-2 stimulates the proliferation of thymocytes; stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of activated B cells; promotes the growth, differentiation, and cytocidal activity of monocytes; induces the growth of natural killer cells and stimulates cytokine production by these cells, as well as enhancing the cytolytic activity of these cells; enhances the production of lymphocyte-activated killer (LAK) cells; and induces the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocytes.

Specimen Type:

Serum

Requested Volume: 

0.5 mL

Minimum Volume: 

0.3 mL

Container Type: 

Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube

Collection:

Separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerate

Stability Requirements:

Stable at room temperature or frozen for 14 days. Freeze/thaw cycles x3.

Expected Turnaround Time:

1 to 2 Days

Rejection Criteria

Gross hemolysis; sample left on cells