TNF alpha

About

Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is an inflammatory cytokine produced by cells during acute inflammation in various medical conditions. You may need this test if you have fever, low blood pressure, muscle aches, loss of appetite, redness & swelling. The test is used to diagnose various inflammatory diseases like arthritis, psoriasis & ankylosing spondylitis. The test is also useful for the patients with suspected gram negative infections and cancer. The normal range is < or = to 2.8 pg/ml.

Why is TNF done?

• The TNF-alpha protein is tested upon appearance of inflammations which are associated with autoimmune diseases and in some systemic infections
• The test is done before, during, and after organ transplantation to monitor chances of organ rejection mediated by TNF-alpha