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Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha, Plasma

TNF Alpha, Cachectin, cytokine

Test Codes

Order Reference Lab Send Out, Beaker: Ref Misc, ARUP: 3002618

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One green top (Lithium heparin).

Acceptable: One Lavender-top EDTA.

Critical frozen. Send specimen for processing immediately after collection. 

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Critical frozen. Immediately centrifuge to separate plasma from cells. Transfer plasma to a plastic transport tube and freeze (-20°C/-4°F or below) within 2 hours of collection.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 1.0 mL plasma, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below). (Minimum: 0.4 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Critical frozen. Immediately centrifuge to separate plasma from cells. Transfer plasma to a plastic transport tube and freeze (-20°C/-4°F or below) within 2 hours of collection.

Transport: 1.0 mL plasma, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below). (Minimum: 0.4 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 30 minutes
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 1 year

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT.

Performed

Sunday – Saturday.
Results available in 1-4 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Quantitative Multiplex Bead Assay

Interpretation

By report.

Clinical Utility

Elevated levels are seen in septic shock as well as in the CSF of patients with meningitis and other central nervous system processes such as multiple sclerosis.

CPT Codes

83520
LOINC:  3074-2

Contacts

Last Updated

4/14/2025