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Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Alpha Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Alpha Test

Short Name: TNF Alpha Test

Also known as: TNF Alpha Test, Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Test, TNF-α Test

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Alpha Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,500. Uses Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) on Serum samples. Results in Same day for samples accepted by 11 am. Reports are available via email, WhatsApp, and the online portal.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Serum Immunology TestAll Ages🏠 Home Collection

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Overview

To measure the TNF-alpha concentration in serum for the evaluation of patients with suspected systemic infection, particularly gram-negative infection, and suspected chronic inflammatory/autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Test Code
3716
Price
₹5,500
Sample Type
Serum
Result Time
Same day for samples accepted by 11 am. Reports are available via email, WhatsApp, and the online portal.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)
Step 1

Sample Collection

No special preparation required. Inform your doctor about any medicines, especially immunomodulators or biologics.

Method: Venipuncture

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A trained phlebotomist draws blood from a vein; about 2 mL serum is collected in a serum separator tube.

Step 3

Report Delivery

You can resume regular activities. Ensure you follow up with your doctor for interpretation.

Timeline: Same day for samples accepted by 11 am. Reports are available via email, WhatsApp, and the online portal.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No special preparation is required. Continue your usual medicines unless your doctor advises otherwise.
2
During the Test:A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The procedure takes a few minutes.
3
After the Test:You can leave immediately after the blood draw. Apply pressure if needed and resume normal routine.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

To measure the TNF-alpha concentration in serum for the evaluation of patients with suspected systemic infection, particularly gram-negative infection, and suspected chronic inflammatory/autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and ankylosing spondylitis.

How to Prepare

  • No fasting or dietary restriction is needed.
  • Sample should be collected in a serum separator tube (SST).
  • Label the tube properly with patient details.
  • Transport the sample refrigerated or frozen as per laboratory guidance.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (General Medicine) · Reg. No. 8052

"TNF-alpha should always be interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms and other laboratory findings. If the result is high, additional tests such as autoimmune antibody panels and imaging may be required before concluding that an autoimmune disease exists."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeSerum
Sample Volume2 mL (1 mL min.)
Container1 SST (Serum Separator Tube)
Collection MethodVenipuncture

Sample Stability

Room temperature
Refrigerator
Frozen
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Haemolysed or visibly contaminated sample
  • Wrong tube or insufficient sample volume
  • Sample received after the stability period
  • Improper storage or shipping temperature

Understanding Your Results

The TNF-α test measures the amount of tumor necrosis factor alpha in serum. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine released by activated immune cells. The result is not diagnostic on its own and should be interpreted with clinical features and other laboratory tests.
📊

Elevated TNF-alpha

May indicate active inflammation or an immune-mediated condition. Common associations include rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and severe gram-negative sepsis. It is not specific.

📊

Low or normal TNF-alpha

Does not rule out autoimmune or inflammatory disease. Clinical assessment and other inflammatory markers are necessary.

📊

TNF-alpha during TNF inhibitor therapy

Levels may be suppressed by treatment; interpret with caution and clinical history.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult your referring doctor or an immunologist if you have persistent joint pain, swelling, fatigue, unexplained fever, skin rash, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or an abnormal TNF-alpha report.

Limitations

  • TNF-alpha is not specific to any single disease.
  • Normal TNF-alpha does not exclude autoimmune disease.
  • Single measurements may not reflect tissue cytokine activity.
  • Results must be interpreted in the full clinical context.

Risks & Considerations

  • Minimal pain or discomfort at the needle site
  • Minor bruising
  • Rare bleeding or dizziness

Interfering Factors

  • Presence of acute infection or sepsis can transiently elevate values.
  • Use of TNF-alpha inhibitor medications can lower measured TNF-alpha.
  • Haemolysed or improperly stored samples may give inaccurate results.
  • Diurnal variation and acute physical stress can alter cytokine levels.

Compare With Similar Tests

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ComparisonTumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Alpha Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the TNF Alpha test at DNA Labs India?
The TNF Alpha test costs INR 5500 at DNA Labs India. Online bookings include free home sample collection in selected cities.
What is the TNF Alpha test?
The TNF Alpha test measures the amount of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the blood. TNF-alpha is a cytokine involved in inflammation and immune response. It helps assess inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Who should take the TNF Alpha test?
People with unexplained joint pain, chronic fatigue, skin rashes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or suspected autoimmune/inflammatory disease can take this test as advised by their clinician.
Do I need to fast before a TNF Alpha test?
No, fasting is not required. No special preparation is needed for the TNF Alpha test.
What sample is required for the TNF Alpha test?
A 2 mL serum sample is required. The minimum volume is 1 mL. Blood is collected in a serum separator tube.
How is the TNF Alpha test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The serum is separated and tested using chemiluminescent immunoassay.
How long does it take to get TNF Alpha test reports?
If the sample reaches the laboratory by 11 am, the report is usually available the same day.
Is home sample collection available for the TNF Alpha test?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for online bookings of this test in multiple cities across India.
What does a high TNF Alpha level mean?
A high TNF-alpha level may indicate increased inflammation. It can be seen in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and severe gram-negative infections. It is not specific and requires clinical correlation.
Can TNF Alpha test diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
No, TNF-alpha alone cannot diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, physical examination, autoantibody tests, and imaging.
What is the normal range for TNF Alpha?
The TNF-alpha reference range is assay-dependent and not globally standardized. DNA Labs India will provide the laboratory-specific reference interval on the report.
Are there any risks from the TNF Alpha test?
The risks are minimal. You may experience slight pain, bruising, bleeding, or dizziness at the blood collection site. These usually subside quickly.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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