Can inflammation or infection cause a false positive miRNA result?

Acute inflammation can transiently elevate miR-21 levels, as this miRNA plays a role in normal inflammatory signaling. However, the Yenos HL normalization and 1.5× HL threshold were calibrated using clinical samples from both healthy individuals and newly-diagnosed cancer patients. Healthy individuals in these studies — including those who may have had concurrent minor inflammatory conditions — consistently scored below 1.5× HL. If you have an active significant infection (such as a severe UTI or systemic infection) at the time of collection, we recommend waiting until you have recovered and then retesting. The contraindications for the test — pregnancy, active cancer treatment, and hormonal therapy — are the primary exclusions identified by Yenos. Minor day-to-day variation in inflammation is unlikely to push a healthy individual above the 1.5× HL threshold.