2.5.3. Blood Test and IL-6 Analysis

Blood tests were carried out in the peripheral vein (antecubital vein) at 11 a.m. on an empty stomach. The blood samples were collected in BD Vacutainer Plus serum blood collection tubes (ref. 367815). Once the test was finished, the samples were left at room temperature for 30 min to coagulate. The coagulated part was separated by centrifuging the samples at 4000 rounds/min for 10 min in a refrigerated centrifuge. After centrifuging, the supernatant liquid (blood serum) was transferred to 0.5 mL aliquots, which were then frozen and stored at −80 ◦C. Finally, the concentration of IL-6 in serum was determined after 24 h had passed. In order to do so, the aliquots were thawed and the ELISA technique (R&D Systems) was used.
