C3 Complement Serum Test
C3 Complement Serum Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | C3 Complement Blood Test, Complement C3 Serum Test |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To assess immune system function and help diagnose autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as lupus and glomerulonephritis |
| Preparation | No specific preparation required |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Reporting Time | After 6 hours |
| Cost | 950 |
What is a C3 (Complement-3) Test?
A C3 (Complement-3) test measures the level of complement component 3 protein in your blood. This protein plays an essential role in your body’s immune defence system, helping to fight infections and regulate inflammation.
Doctors recommend this test to evaluate immune system activity, identify autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and monitor inflammatory or kidney-related conditions. The test requires a simple blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm.
What Does a C3 (Complement-3) Test Measure?
This test checks how well your immune system’s complement pathway is functioning by measuring C3 protein levels. It helps detect:
- Immune Response Activity: C3 activates other complement proteins to fight infections.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Low C3 can indicate autoimmune activity damaging body tissues.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Detects excess complement activity linked to chronic inflammation.
- Kidney Function Impact: Low levels may signal immune-mediated kidney diseases.
- Complement Deficiencies: Identifies inherited or acquired deficiencies in complement proteins.
C3 (Complement-3) Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done
What Symptoms May Call for a C3 (Complement-3) Test?
Your doctor may recommend a C3 test if you have:
- Unexplained fatigue, fever, or recurrent infections
- Swelling or puffiness around the eyes and face
- Joint pain or stiffness suggestive of lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Blood or protein in urine
- Skin rashes, particularly facial or butterfly-shaped rashes
- Unexplained inflammation or signs of autoimmune activity
Who Should Get a C3 (Complement-3) Test?
You should consider a C3 test if you:
- Have been diagnosed or are suspected to have autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Are being treated for glomerulonephritis or immune complex diseases
- Experience recurrent bacterial infections or immune weakness
- Have hereditary angioedema or unexplained swelling
- Are undergoing evaluation for chronic inflammatory conditions
Why is a C3 (Complement-3) Test Done?
The test helps evaluate how well your immune system is working and identifies disorders involving complement deficiency, inflammation, or autoimmunity.
Importance of a C3 (Complement-3) Test
Measuring C3 levels provides vital insight into your immune system’s balance. Low C3 levels often point to autoimmune activity or kidney inflammation, while high levels suggest ongoing infection or inflammation. Regular monitoring of C3, especially along with C4, helps track disease progression and treatment effectiveness in autoimmune disorders like lupus and glomerulonephritis.
C3 (Complement-3) Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare
How to Book the C3 (Complement-3) Test and Get Your Reports?
- Simple Online Booking
Book easily via the Metropolis Healthcare website or app. Select C3 (Complement-3) Test, choose a time slot, and provide your address for a home blood collection. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab. - Safe Home Sample Collection
Our trained phlebotomists ensure safe and hygienic blood collection from your home. - Sample Tracking Updates
You can track your sample from collection to testing on the Metropolis Healthcare website. - Accurate Laboratory Testing
Your sample is tested at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories using advanced immunoturbidimetry methods. - Quick & Easy Reports
Access your results via email, WhatsApp, or directly through the Metropolis website or app.
Is Home Sample Collection for C3 (Complement-3) Test Available Near You?
Yes, Metropolis Healthcare offers convenient home sample collection for the C3 test. Our professional team follows strict hygiene protocols to ensure comfort, safety, and reliable testing—saving you time and avoiding travel to the lab.
How Long Does It Take to Get a C3 (Complement-3) Test Report?
Reports are usually available within 6 hours once the sample reaches the lab.
Note: Reporting time and cost may vary based on your location.
Where Can I See or Get C3 (Complement-3) Test Results?
You can view and download your reports via the Metropolis Healthcare App, website, or receive them through email or WhatsApp. You may also collect a physical copy from your nearest Metropolis lab.
Interpreting C3 (Complement-3) Test Results
What Your C3 (Complement-3) Test Results May Indicate
| Parameter | Normal Range | High Values May Indicate | Low Values May Indicate |
|---|---|---|---|
| C3 (Complement-3) | 90–180 mg/dL | Ongoing infection, inflammation, or autoimmune response | Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), glomerulonephritis, immune complex disease, hereditary complement deficiency |
Understanding Abnormal C3 (Complement-3) Results by Parameter
| Parameter | Possible Causes of Low Levels | Possible Causes of High Levels |
|---|---|---|
| C3 | Active lupus, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, serum sickness, immune complex diseases | Infections, chronic inflammatory disorders, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune response activation |
How Should You Prepare for a C3 (Complement-3) Test?
The C3 test is simple and requires minimal preparation:
- No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before your test.
- Medication disclosure: Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you take.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated before your blood draw.
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activity or stress before testing, as it may influence inflammatory markers.
How Is a C3 (Complement-3) Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)
The procedure involves a routine blood collection:
- Preparation: An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make veins visible.
- Cleaning: The puncture site is cleaned using antiseptic.
- Sample Collection: A sterile needle is used to draw about 3 ml of blood into a gel vacutainer.
- Completion: The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.
- Processing: The sample is sent to the lab for analysis using immunoturbidimetry.
Conditions That May Affect C3 (Complement-3) Test Accuracy
Certain factors can affect your test results:
- Recent infections: Acute illnesses can temporarily raise C3 levels.
- Medications: Corticosteroids, hormones, or immunosuppressants may influence results.
- Severe inflammation: Chronic inflammatory conditions may elevate complement proteins.
- Liver disease: As C3 is made in the liver, hepatic disorders can reduce its levels.
- Hereditary factors: Genetic complement deficiencies may cause persistently low C3.
Diseases That a C3 (Complement-3) Test Can Help Detect
The C3 test assists in identifying and monitoring various conditions:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis
- Post-streptococcal Glomerulonephritis
- Hereditary Angioedema
- Serum Sickness and Immune Complex Diseases
- Chronic Inflammatory Disorders
- Autoimmune Vasculitis
C3 Test Price in Different Cities
The cost of a C3 Test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate price range for the C3 Test at Metropolis Healthcare in major Indian cities:
|
City |
Approximate Cost (INR) |
|
₹ 800 to ₹ 1000 |
|
|
₹ 800 to ₹ 1000 |
|
|
₹ 800 to ₹ 1000 |
|
|
₹ 800 to ₹ 1000 |
The C3 Test cost may vary depending on the city and the specific tests included in the panel. However, Metropolis Healthcare offers competitive C3 Test prices across major cities in India.
References
- Walport M.J. (2001). Complement: First of two parts. New England Journal of Medicine, 344(14), 1058–1066. PMID: 11287977
- Ricklin D., Hajishengallis G., Yang K., Lambris J.D. (2010). Complement: A key system for immune surveillance and homeostasis. Nature Immunology, 11(9), 785–797. PMID: 20720586
- Reid K.B.M., Porter R.R. (1981). The proteolytic activation systems of complement. Annual Review of Biochemistry, 50, 433–464. PMID: 7023367
- Seelen M.A., Roos A., Wieslander J., et al. (2005). Functional analysis of the classical, alternative, and MBL pathways of complement activation. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 142(3), 509–516. PMID: 16297156
- Pekna M., Nilsson L., Nilsson-Ekdahl K., Nilsson U.R., Nilsson B. (1993). Evidence for the involvement of C3 in regulation of the immune response. Immunology, 79(4), 633–638. PMID: 8370162
C3 Complement Serum Test Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the C3 Complement Serum Test with a clear pricing structure. The C3 Complement Serum Test Price in Mumbai is ₹ 950. We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
C3 is a key protein in the complement system that helps fight infections, clear damaged cells, and regulate inflammation.
Low C3 levels often suggest active autoimmune disease such as lupus or immune-mediated kidney disease.
High levels may indicate inflammation or infection in the body.
No fasting is required for a C3 test. You can eat and drink normally.
Yes, medications like steroids or immunosuppressants can alter complement levels. Always inform your doctor about current medicines.
It is often done with a C4 Complement Test for a complete picture of your immune health.
The typical reference range is 90–180 mg/dL, though this may vary slightly by lab.
Reports are generally available within 6 hours after the sample reaches the laboratory.
Risks are minimal and similar to any blood draw, including slight bruising or soreness at the puncture site.
It helps monitor disease activity and treatment response, as C3 levels often decrease during lupus flare-ups.
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