Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha

Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha test measures the levels of Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-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 a fever, low blood pressure, muscle aches, loss of appetite, redness, and swelling. The test is used to diagnose various inflammatory diseases including autoimmune disorders like arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other infections. TNF-alpha can be elevated in chronic (prolonged) infections, certain cancers, and hepatitis C. The test may also be performed before, during, and after organ transplantation to monitor the likelihood of TNF-alpha-mediated organ rejection.