Resistance to Intralipid

This test is a laboratory assessment of whether intralipid, a fat-based preparation, affects the activity of your natural killer (NK) cells in the test tube. Using a blood sample, the laboratory measures NK cell activity with and without intralipid, and reports whether intralipid reduces that activity or whether the activity is unchanged (sometimes described as resistance to intralipid). It is requested by some clinicians as part of a wider immune or fertility investigation.

What is measured

• NK cell activity with and without intralipid: the laboratory compares natural killer cell activity in the presence of intralipid against activity without it, and reports the effect observed in the test tube.

Interpreting your result

This is a specialist laboratory test, and the result is provided to the clinician who referred you. It describes an observation made in the laboratory and does not by itself indicate whether any treatment is appropriate. Your referring clinician will interpret the result in the context of your history and any other investigations, and discuss with you what it means and any next steps. Any decision about treatment should be made only with your specialist, based on the full evidence and your individual circumstances.

Why it matters

This test provides a specialist laboratory measurement that a clinician may request as part of a wider investigation. Because it requires expert interpretation in the context of your individual situation, it is carried out on referral so that the result is understood and applied appropriately within your care.