Inflammation is a key response of the body to infection, tissue injury, or other stressors. Early detection is critical because timely recognition can guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine released by immune cells in response to infection or tissue damage. Its levels rise within 2 hours, significantly earlier than PCT (>2 hours) and CRP (>6 hours). This rapid increase makes IL-6 a valuable marker for early detection of systemic inflammation across a variety of clinical scenarios.

Figure: Kinetics of Key Inflammatory Markers After Bacterial Infection

 

2.  Practical Value of IL-6 Testing

In clinical practice, IL-6 is used across multiple scenarios:

● Hospitals and clinics: Early detection of sepsis and other acute inflammatory conditions.

● Laboratories: Rapid and reliable measurement of IL-6 supports timely reporting and monitoring.

● Specialized departments: Post-surgical care, transplant units, pulmonary wards, and oncology can use IL-6 to assess infection, tissue injury, immune response, or tumor progression.

 

3.  Core Advantages of Poclight IL-6 Test Kit

 

(1)  High Sensitivity & Wide Range

● Detects IL-6 down to 1.5 pg/mL with a range of 1.5–5000 pg/mL, covering early-stage inflammation to severe conditions.

 

(2)  Small Sample Volume & Rapid Results

● Only 100 μL of serum or plasma needed, with 15-minute turnaround, ideal for fast clinical decisions.

 

(3)  Room-Temperature Lyophilized Reagents

● Freeze-dried reagents require no cold chain and have a shelf life of 18 months, simplifying storage and transport.

 

(4)  Easy-to-Use:

● Applicable with the C5000 POC CLIA Analyzer: 3-Step Operation, Maintenance-Free Design

● QR code-based standard curve calibration

● Minimal upkeep make operation simple and reliable

 

3.1 Assay Specification

 

Item	Specification / Value
Detection Limit (LOD)	1.5 pg/mL
Measurement Range	1.5~5000 pg/mL
Sample Volume	100 μL
Sample Type	Serum / Plasma
Assay Time / Turnaround	15 min
Precision (CV%)	<5%
Cut-off value	≤7 pg/mL normal

 

3.2 Results Interpretation

 

IL-6 Level (pg/mL)	Clinical Interpretation
< 7	Normal
7–150	Indicates mild inflammation or mild infection
150–250	Suggests general bacterial infection or systemic inflammatory response
> 250	Strongly suggests sepsis or severe systemic inflammation

 

Ready for fast, accurate POC IL-6 testing?

Contact us today and experience how Poclight can upgrade your workflow!

 

 

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a peptide precursor of calcitonin.

In healthy individuals, PCT circulates at very low levels. While during bacterial infections and systemic inflammation, PCT levels rise rapidly, making it a sensitive biomarker for sepsis and severe infections. 

 

Clinical Significance of PCT

 

● Correlates with infection severity, and provides guidance in sepsis and septic shock, respiratory infections, acute pancreatitis, and other severe bacterial infections

● Monitors disease progression and treatment response

● Guiding antibiotic therapy and stewardship

● Not a standalone tool – most effective when combined with other screening tools, such as qSOFA scoring and hs-CRP. Best interpreted in conjunction with input from clinicians, pharmacists, and laboratory specialists.

 

2.  Results Interpretation - Assessing Sepsis Risk with PCT Levels

PCT (ng/mL)	Risk Category	Interpretation
< 0.05	Normal	Normal; low likelihood of bacterial sepsis; suggests viral or non-infectious cause.
0.05 - 0.5	Low	Early bacterial infection or inflammation possible; monitor and retest as needed.
0.5 - 2	Intermediate	Significant bacterial infection or systemic inflammation; consider patient history; retest in 6–24 hours.
2 -10	High	Severe bacterial infection; high risk of sepsis or septic shock; immediate clinical attention required.
> 10	Very High	Strongly indicates severe sepsis or septic shock with risk of organ failure; urgent intervention needed.

Important Considerations: PCT results must be evaluated alongside the patient's clinical presentation, symptoms, and other laboratory tests.

 

3.  Poclight Procalcitonin (PCT) Test Kit: Timely, Reliable, and Ready-to-Use

 

 

(1)  Key Advantages

 

✓ Proven Technology: Highly sensitive and reliable detection with LOD ≤ 0.02 ng/mL and a wide linear range (0.02–100 ng/mL, r ≥ 0.990). PCT results on Poclight C5000 Analyzer are consistent with the Roche Elecsys BRAHMS PCT reference.

 

✓ Fast & Efficient: Easy operation, results available within 5 minutes

✓ Lyophilized reagents: freeze-dried for room temperature storage (2–30°C) with an extended shelf life of 18 months, eliminating the need for cold chain transport.

✓ Trusted Quality: Strict quality control, CE certified, ensuring reproducible and accurate results.

✓ High Precision: Excellent assay precision (CV <5%) for consistent monitoring.

✓ Poclight POC CLIA Expertise:

● The Poclight C5000 Analyzer combines high-throughput PCT testing (80 tests/hour) with quick & accurate results

● Intuitive operation and reliable reproducibility, making it ideal for both clinical labs and point-of-care settings.

✓ Comprehensive Support: Training, marketing resources, and dedicated customer service to assist adoption.

 

(2)  Poclight PCT Assay Specifications

 

Item	Specification / Value
Detection Limit (LOD)	≤ 0.02 ng/mL
Measurement Range	0.02-100 ng/mL (r ≥ 0.990 within this linear range)
Sample Volume	200 μL
Sample Type	Serum / Plasma
Assay Time / Turnaround	5 min
Precision (CV%)	<5%
Reference Range	＜0.05 ng/mL normal
Applicable System:	Poclight C5000 Analyzer

 

4. Ready to Bring Poclight PCT Testing to Your Facility?

Partner with us today to elevate the quality of PCT diagnostics at your facility! Contact us to request a demo, explore partnership opportunities, or learn more about how Poclight’s POCT solutions can benefit your practice.

Discover more about our full suite of POCT inflammation solutions and how they can enhance clinical decision-making: