KL-6
KL-6 Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Krebs von den Lungen-6 Test |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of interstitial lung diseases (ILD), including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis |
| Preparation | No special preparation required |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Reporting Time | Same Day: 9:00 PM |
| Cost | 6,000 |
Overview
What is a KL-6 Test?
A KL-6 test is a simple blood test that measures the level of a protein called Krebs von den Lungen-6 in your bloodstream. This protein is naturally found on the surface of specific lung cells called type II pneumocytes.
The test helps detect and monitor lung diseases, particularly interstitial lung diseases that cause inflammation and scarring of your lungs.
What does the KL-6 Test measure?
The KL-6 test provides valuable information about your lung health by measuring specific protein levels:
- Lung injury detection: When lung cells are damaged, they release more KL-6 protein into your blood
- Disease activity assessment: Higher levels suggest active inflammation or injury in your lungs
- Treatment monitoring: Changes in KL-6 levels help track how well your treatment is working
- Disease progression tracking: Rising levels may indicate worsening condition, while falling levels suggest improvement
KL-6 Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done
What Symptoms May Call for a KL-6 Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience symptoms associated with lung disease:
- Dry chronic cough that doesn't produce mucus
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Feeling very tired or fatigued without obvious cause
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Unexplained weight loss
Who should get a KL-6 Test?
This test is recommended for specific groups of people based on medical evaluation:
- Patients with lung symptoms: Individuals showing signs that suggest interstitial lung disease
- Diagnosed lung disease patients: People with confirmed conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or sarcoidosis
- High-risk individuals: Patients with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis that may affect the lungs
- Treatment monitoring patients: Those undergoing therapy for lung conditions or requiring pulmonary function tests for regular assessment
Why is a KL-6 Test done?
The KL-6 test provides doctors with crucial information about lung health, helping distinguish interstitial lung diseases from other respiratory conditions and assess current disease activity.
Importance of a KL-6 Test
The KL-6 test serves as a valuable biomarker that provides essential clinical information. It aids in diagnosis by strongly suggesting the presence of interstitial lung disease when levels are elevated, especially when combined with imaging studies and lung function tests.
For patients with diagnosed lung conditions, tracking KL-6 levels over time helps monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness. Increasing levels may alert doctors to disease flare-ups and health risks, while decreasing levels confirm that prescribed treatments are working to reduce inflammation and lung damage.
The test also helps predict prognosis, as very high or persistently rising KL-6 levels can indicate more severe disease and guide doctors in planning appropriate treatment strategies.
KL-6 Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India
How to Book a KL-6 Test?
- Simple Online Booking
Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare app or website. Select KL-6 Test, choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
- Safe Home Sample Collection
Our trained phlebotomists ensure timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
- Sample Tracking Updates
Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
- Accurate Laboratory Testing
Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
- Quick & Easy Reports
Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.
Is home sample collection for KL-6 Test available near you?
Yes, home blood sample collection is available for the KL-6 test. Our trained phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols while collecting your blood sample in the comfort of your home. This service ensures accurate sample handling and maintains the integrity needed for reliable KL-6 test results. Metropolis Healthcare is committed to making quality diagnostic testing accessible and convenient for you, with our extensive network covering 750 towns across India.
How Long Does It Take to Get a KL-6 Test Report?
Reports are usually available on the same day by 9:00 PM once the sample reaches the pathology lab.
Note: Reporting time may vary depending on your location.
Where can I see or get KL-6 Test results?
Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare app to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.
Interpreting KL-6 Test Results
What Your KL-6 Test Results May Indicate
This table explains what your KL-6 test values mean and their clinical significance:
|
Parameter |
Normal Range |
High Values May Indicate |
Low Values May Indicate |
|
KL-6 |
107-381 U/mL |
Active interstitial lung disease, lung injury, disease progression, or poor treatment response |
Normal lung function or successful treatment response |
Conditions that May Affect KL-6 Test Accuracy
Several factors can influence your KL-6 test results and should be discussed with your healthcare provider:
- Severe dehydration can concentrate blood substances, potentially affecting protein measurements
- Kidney disease may influence protein clearance from the blood, affecting KL-6 levels
- Recent illness or infection can temporarily elevate inflammatory markers in the blood
- Certain medications may interfere with the test, particularly those affecting lung function
- Sample handling issues such as improper storage temperature can affect test accuracy
- Laboratory variations in testing methods may cause slight differences in reference ranges
How is a KL-6 Test Done?
The KL-6 test follows a standard blood collection procedure that is quick and straightforward:
- A healthcare professional cleans the area on your arm with an antiseptic wipe.
- An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make veins more visible.
- A small needle is inserted into a vein to collect blood into a special tube.
- The needle is removed and a cotton ball or bandage is applied to prevent bleeding.
- Your blood sample is sent to the lab for analysis using chemiluminescence immunoassay.
How Should You Prepare for a KL-6 Test?
Preparing for your KL-6 test is simple and requires minimal effort:
- No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test
- Continue regular medications: Take your usual medicines unless your doctor advises otherwise
- Stay hydrated: Drink adequate water to ensure proper blood flow during sample collection
- Inform about medications: Tell the healthcare professional about all medicines and supplements you take
- Wear comfortable clothing: Choose clothes that allow easy access to your arm for blood collection
Diseases that a KL-6 Test Can Help Detect
The KL-6 test assists in diagnosing and monitoring various lung conditions:
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): A progressive scarring disease of the lungs
- Sarcoidosis: An inflammatory disease affecting multiple organs, commonly the lungs
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Lung inflammation caused by inhaling certain substances
- Connective tissue disease-related lung disease: Lung complications from autoimmune conditions
- Drug-induced pneumonitis: Lung inflammation caused by certain medications or treatments
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): Severe lung injury causing breathing difficulties
KL-6 Test/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare
Here are comprehensive testing options available to assess your lung health condition thoroughly:
|
Test/Package Name |
Purpose/Highlights |
|
Comprehensive evaluation of lung fibrosis and interstitial diseases |
|
|
Rapid detection of tuberculosis and drug resistance in lung infections |
|
|
Overall blood health assessment including infection and inflammation markers |
Reasons for Undergoing the KL-6 Test
Your doctor may recommend a KL-6 test for several key reasons:
- Early Diagnosis: To help identify the presence of an interstitial lung disease, especially when you have unexplained respiratory symptoms or abnormal imaging findings suggestive of ILD.
- Disease Activity Assessment: To evaluate the current severity or activity level of a known ILD without repeated imaging or biopsies, which can inform treatment decisions and monitoring plans.
- Prognosis: To predict the likely course and outcomes of your ILD, higher KL-6 levels generally correlate with more advanced disease and a poorer prognosis.
- Treatment Response Monitoring: To assess how well your ILD is responding to therapy and detect any signs of disease progression or relapse over time.
Differentiate between active & stable disease By providing an early and accurate diagnosis, the KL-6 test for ILD enables timely interventions and personalised care plans, potentially improving long-term outcomes.
List of Parameters Considered During the KL-6 Test
The primary parameter measured in the KL-6 test is the serum concentration of KL-6, expressed in units per millilitre (U/mL). The test report will indicate your specific KL-6 level along with the laboratory's reference range, which represents the spectrum of values considered normal for healthy individuals. This single biomarker provides a quantitative reflection of the degree of lung epithelial cell injury or regeneration occurring in ILDs.
Home Collection for KL-6 Test Near You
Metropolis Healthcare offers a convenient home collection service for the KL-6 test, designed to support your respiratory health with ease and reliability. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home to collect a blood sample, ensuring your comfort and following strict protocols for sample collection and handling. The KL-6 test helps in monitoring and diagnosing certain lung conditions, including interstitial lung diseases. With accurate and timely results delivered to you, you can take informed steps toward managing your health. Trust Metropolis Healthcare for a hassle-free KL-6 test experience from the comfort and safety of your home.
At Metropolis Healthcare, we understand the importance of accurate and timely diagnostic testing in your health journey. As a leading chain of pathology labs across India, we are committed to providing reliable KL-6 test results and empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your lung health. Our team of experienced phlebotomists offers convenient home sample collection services, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the testing process.
KL-6 Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the KL-6 with a clear pricing structure.
The KL-6 Price in Mumbai is βΉ 6,000 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
The KL-6 test is a blood test that measures levels of the KL-6 protein, a sensitive biomarker for assessing and monitoring interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Elevated KL-6 levels can indicate lung tissue damage or disease progression.
The KL-6 test provides a non-invasive, accurate, and easily accessible way to assess lung injury. It supports early detection of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), helps evaluate disease severity, monitors treatment effectiveness, and offers prognostic insights, making it a valuable tool in managing and understanding the progression of ILDs.
The normal range for KL-6 is typically below 500 U/mL, but specific reference intervals may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and assay used. Values above this threshold suggest active alveolar epithelial damage.
You may need a KL-6 test if you have unexplained breathing difficulties, abnormal findings on lung imaging, or a confirmed diagnosis of interstitial lung disease. It helps your doctor detect lung involvement early, assess disease activity, and monitor response to ongoing treatment.
While the KL-6 test is highly sensitive and specific for detecting alveolar epithelial injury, it does not definitively diagnose all forms of ILD. The test is best used in conjunction with clinical findings, imaging, and other relevant biomarkers and lung function tests for a comprehensive evaluation.
No, the KL-6 test is not invasive. It requires only a simple blood draw, making it a safe and convenient way to measure KL-6 protein levels for assessing lung diseases without the need for more invasive procedures like biopsies or bronchoscopy.
The KL-6 test is eligible for individuals with suspected or diagnosed interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), unexplained respiratory symptoms, or abnormal lung imaging. It’s also used for patients needing monitoring of disease progression or treatment response in conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
KL-6 test reports indicate the level of KL-6 protein in the blood. Elevated levels suggest lung tissue damage or active interstitial lung disease. Although normal levels usually indicate no significant lung injury, it does not exclude ILD mainly in early or mild disease. Results help assess disease severity, monitor progression, and guide treatment decisions.
The KL-6 test detects the presence and levels of the KL-6 protein, which is produced by damaged lung cells. It helps identify lung tissue injury and inflammation, primarily in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), aiding early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and evaluation of treatment effectiveness.
Risks associated with the KL-6 test are minimal and primarily related to the standard blood draw process, such as minor discomfort, bruising, or, rarely, infection at the needle site.
The KL-6 test is also referred to as the Krebs von den Lungen-6 assay, sialylated MUC1 test, or MUC1 glycoprotein test.
The KL-6 test is taken to detect and monitor interstitial lung diseases by measuring lung cell damage. It helps in early diagnosis, assessing disease severity, tracking treatment response, and predicting prognosis, enabling better management and timely intervention for lung conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
To book a KL-6 test with Metropolis Healthcare, visit their website or TruHealth app to schedule a home sample collection or locate a nearby lab. You can also call the helpline or email support for assistance in booking your test quickly and conveniently.
KL-6 test reports are typically available within 24 hours after the sample is received by the laboratory, but specific turnaround times may vary. Check with your provider or the lab for estimated result timelines.
No, fasting is not required for the KL-6 test. You can eat and drink normally before the test, making it a convenient option for assessing lung disease without special preparation. Check with your doctor or the testing facility for specific preparation instructions.
Yes, the KL-6 test is a highly accurate biomarker assay, with reported sensitivity and specificity rates exceeding 90% for detecting alveolar epithelial injury in interstitial lung diseases.
You can view your KL-6 test results from Metropolis Healthcare on the Truhealth app or website by entering your ID and phone number. Results are also sent via email. For any issues, contact Metropolis customer support by phone or email for assistance.
Yes, Metropolis Healthcare provides home sample collection for the KL-6 test. You can easily book a home visit through the website or TruHealth app. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home to collect the blood sample, making the process more convenient and accessible.
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