The RANTES (Regulated And Normal T-cell Expressed and Secreted) test, which measures the production of a chemokine called CCL5 by T-cells. In addition to T-cells, it is also produced by cytotoxic T-cells, neutrophils and eosinophilic granulocytes. The chemokine tested by RANTES is a signalling molecule that attracts immune cells to the site of inflammation.

Measurement of the CCL5 chemokine may be important in suspected diseases with inflammatory processes (various rheumatic diseases, allergies, asthma, multiple sclerosis, tumours) and in oral cavity lesions with inflammatory processes associated with jawbone loss.

CCL5 is one of the best markers of a severe osteonecrosis (NICO – neuralgic induced cavitational osteonecrosis). In the presence of elevated RANTES, levels of other inflammatory markers of the body (e.g. CRP, TNF-α) should always be evaluated.

The test is performed on a blood sample.