
Complement C3

C3
Description
"Complement C3" test measures the level of complement C3 protein in your blood, a key part of your immune defense system. It’s commonly used when doctors suspect autoimmune disorders, chronic infections, or unexplained inflammation. Low levels may indicate conditions like lupus or kidney disease, while high levels can reflect ongoing infection or immune activation. The results help clarify immune function and guide treatment. Regular testing supports monitoring disease progression and adjusting care as immune-related symptoms change.
Test Category
Proteins
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Milligrams per Deciliter | Grams per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Immune System Group
Test Group Description
Immune System Group: By evaluating various aspects of immune system function and health, this group offers insights into immune responses and related health considerations.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 82.00–112.00 mg/dL
SI Unit: 0.82–1.12 g/L
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 80–178 mg/dL
SI Unit: 0.80–1.78 g/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
Kidney transplant rejection
Leukemia (cancer of the blood or bone marrow)
Sarcoma (cancer of connective tissues)
Sarcoidosis (inflammatory disease affecting multiple organs)
Graves' disease (autoimmune disorder leading to hyperthyroidism)...
Key Reasons For Testing
Immune System Health: Evaluates how well your immune system fights infections and keeps you healthy.
Inflammation Marker: Detects inflammation tied to conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Autoimmune Diseases: Helps diagnose and monitor conditions like lupus nephritis or autoimmune anemia.
Kidney Function: Assesses kidney health in diseases like membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.
Cardiovascular Risk: Indicates an increased risk of heart disease when levels are elevated.
Metabolic Syndrome: Identifies early signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, or related concerns.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Hiemstra PS, Gorter A, Stuurman ME, Van Es LA, Daha MR. Activation of the alternative pathway of complement by human serum IgA. Eur J Immunol. 1987;17(3):321-326.
[2] Van den Berg RH, Faber-Krol MC, Van Wetering S, et al. Functional characterization of recombinant human complement component C3. J Immunol. 1997;159(9):4773-4781.
[3] Ricklin D, Hajishengallis G, Yang K, Lambris JD. Complement: a key system for immune surveillance and homeostasis. Nat Immunol. 2010;11(9):785-797.
[4] Morgan BP. Complement membrane attack on nucleated cells: resistance, recovery and non-lethal effects. Biochem J.1989;264(1):1-14.
[5] Walport MJ. Complement. First of two parts. N Engl J Med. 2001;344(14):1058-1066.
[6] Walport MJ. Complement. Second of two parts. N Engl J Med. 2001;344(15):1140-1144.
[7] Fischer MB, Ma M, Goerg S, et al. Regulation of the B cell response to T-dependent antigens by classical pathway complement. J Immunol. 1996;157(11):549-556.
[8] Heeger PS, Lalli PN, Lin F, Valujskikh A, Liu J, Muqim N, Medof ME. Decay-accelerating factor modulates induction of T cell immunity. J Exp Med. 2005;201(10):1523-1530.
[9] Carroll MC. The complement system in regulation of adaptive immunity. Nat Immunol. 2004;5(10):981-986.
[10] Dunkelberger JR, Song WC. Complement and its role in innate and adaptive immune responses. Cell Res.2010;20(1):34-50.
[11] Harris CL, Heurich M, Rodriguez de Cordoba S, Morgan BP. The complotype: dictating risk for inflammation and infection. Trends Immunol. 2012;33(10):513-521.
[12] Thurman JM, Holers VM. The central role of the alternative complement pathway in human disease. J Immunol.2006;176(3):1305-1310.
[13] Merle NS, Noe R, Halbwachs-Mecarelli L, Fremeaux-Bacchi V, Roumenina LT. Complement system part II: role in immunity. Front Immunol. 2015;6:257.