LAB TEST
Complement component 3 (C3)
Complement C3 is a blood test that measures the activity of a certain protein. This protein is part of the complement system. The complement system is a group of nearly 60 proteins that are in blood plasma or on the surface of some cells. The proteins work with your immune system and play a role to protect the body from infections, and to remove dead cells and foreign material. Rarely, people may inherit deficiency of some complement proteins. These people are prone to certain infections or autoimmune disorders. There are nine major complement proteins. They are labeled C1 through C9. This article describes the test that measures C3.
How the Test is Performed
Blood is drawn from a vein. Most often, a vein from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand is used. The procedure is as follows: The site is cleaned with an antiseptic. The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood. The…
How to Prepare for the Test
There is no special preparation needed.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others may feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the Test is Performed
C3 and C4 are the most commonly measured complement components. A complement test may be used to monitor people with an autoimmune disorder . It is done to see if treatment for their condition is working. When the complement system is turned on during inflammation, levels of complement proteins may go down. For…
Normal Results
The normal range is 88 to 201 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) (0.88 to 2.01 g/L). Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some…
What Abnormal Results Mean
Increased complement activity may be seen in: Cancer Ulcerative colitis Decreased complement activity may be seen in: Bacterial infections (especially Neisseria) Cirrhosis Glomerulonephritis Hepatitis Hereditary angioedema Kidney transplant rejection Lupus nephritis Malnutrition Systemic lupus erythematosus Rare…
Risks
Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling lightheaded Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Considerations
The complement cascade is a series of reactions that take place in the blood. The cascade activates the complement proteins. The result is an attack unit that creates holes in the membrane of bacteria, killing them. C3 attaches to bacteria and kills them directly.
References
Atkinson JP. Complement system in disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 44. Bean KV, Massey HD, Gupta G. Mediators of inflammation: complement. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 25/01/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.