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Complement 3
(C3)
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
Understanding Complement 3
What is Complement 3?
Complement 3 test checks for activity of a protein of complement system. Complement system is meant to aid the body's defense mechanism. It helps in destroying the foreign particles and damaged cells or proteins. Measuring complement C3 helps in diagnosis of the autoimmune disorders such as lupus, vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis and certain bacterial infections.
Symptoms of altered C3 activity include fever, joints pain, fatigue, nausea, swelling and frequent bacterial infections. This test is mostly recommended along with C4 test.
What is Complement 3 used for?
- It may be ordered if you have unexplained edema, inflammation or symptoms of an auto immune disorder such as SLE
- To monitor the severity of a complement deficiency disease
Interpreting Complement 3 results
Interpretations
- Decreased C 3 levels are associated with increased risk of auto immune disorders like SLE, recurrent infections caused by fungi and parasites, hereditary angioedema, hepatitis, malnutrition, kidney diseases
- Complement proteins are increased in acute and chronic inflammation. Other common causes of increased complement activity are ulcerative colitis, thyroiditis, acute myocardial infarction, cancers like leukemia
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