# Interleukin-6, Serum

> This test measures the level of Interleukin-6, a protein produced by your immune system to signal inflammation. It helps doctors assess the severity of an inflammatory response, particularly to determine if a patient with an infection like COVID-19 is at risk for needing a mechanical ventilator. This measurement assists in distinguishing between a standard immune response and a severe, potentially dangerous systemic reaction. However, a low result does not guarantee that a disease will not get worse, and the test cannot diagnose a specific infection on its own.

- Labcorp code: 140916
- Category: [Immune Regulation](https://app.picardo.health/labs/tests/immune-regulation.md)
- Price: shown at checkout, before payment.
- Blood draw: free at a Labcorp location, or $75.00 at home.
- Order link: https://app.picardo.health/labs/order?tests=140916&ref=assistant

## About ordering

A licensed physician reviews every order before any test is run, and results arrive in the person's Picardo account. Ordering is open to adults 18 and over in the US, except New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, Hawaii and Maine. General health information, not medical advice.