Beckman Coulter today has expanded claims for its CE-marked Access Interleukin-6 (IL-6) assay, an in vitro diagnostic test for the quantitative determination of IL-6 levels in human serum and plasma.
The fully-automated assay helps clinicians identify a severe inflammatory response in COVID-19 patients, often referred to as cytokine storm, and determine the risk of intubation with mechanical ventilation, in conjunction with clinical findings and the results of other laboratory testing.
Several large studies have shown that IL-6, a multifunctional cytokine that promotes inflammation in certain clinical conditions, is a strong predictor of respiratory failure and death in COVID-19 patients. Identifying and treating hyperinflammation can help clinicians plan resources and determine the best patient care pathway.
www.beckmancoulter.com/coronavirus