Test Details: Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha), is an inflammatory cytokine produced by macrophages/monocytes during acute inflammation and is responsible for a diverse range of signalling events within cells leading to necrosis or apoptosis. The protein is also important for resistance to infection and cancers. This test measures the level of TNF alpha in the blood sample. TNF alpha testing is ordered to aid in diagnosing various autoimmune disorders such as arthritis, Crohn's disease, etc., detecting insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients, as well as monitoring a person's response to treatment.