Complement Total Serum CH50 Test

The CH50 test is usually ordered when someone has symptoms that suggest they may have a problem with their complement system. These symptoms can include autoimmune disease, certain infections, or cancer. It is requested for the following factors:

• to support the conclusion that a microbial infection is present.
• to track the progress of a known autoimmune sickness or disease, such as lupus, a chronic condition that affects the kidneys, brain, blood vessels, joints, and many other regions of the body.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: a disorder that primarily affects the hands and feet and produces pain and swelling in the joints.
• to monitor immunologically complex diseases or conditions, such as glomerulonephritis, kidney disease, or vasculitis.

The CH50 blood test will identify whether acute and chronic problems are present. During an examination, it is typically requested when a patient exhibits inflammation that cannot be accounted for by any other factor. This test is also prescribed for someone who exhibits signs of an autoimmune illness.

If you experience signs of an autoimmune condition, notably lupus, you might require a complement blood test. Lupus symptoms include:

• A rash in the shape of a butterfly across your cheeks and nose
• Fatigue
• Sores in mouth
• Hair fall
• Sunlight sensitivity
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Chest ache while deep breathing
• Aching joints
• Fever

• The inside of your arm is cleaned with antiseptic to draw a sample of blood.
• It is done with a small needle. 
• Before drawing the blood sample, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic lotion.
• A small amount of blood is collected in a vial.
• The area will be covered with a bandage after removing the needle and taking blood

After treating the underlying issue, the CH50 blood test results will typically return to normal. That entails using anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, or bettering one's diet for frequent problems. The CH50 blood test is not a 100% conclusive test, but in more complex cases, it may be used as one point of measurement for a treatment plan that has been implemented.

Further testing may be asked by the doctor to identify the precise problem so that an appropriate treatment strategy can be created if an autoimmune condition is suspected based on the findings and the patient's medical history. When a child is suspected of having juvenile RA, the CH50 blood test can confirm it. 

Complement activity measurements can be classified as low, normal, or high. When test results are normal, it typically means that the inflammation or other symptoms that a clinician might suspect as complement system-related aren't an issue. Rarely, findings for someone with a generally low CH50 result can become normal due to a secondary cause that boosts complement system activity.

Reasons for poor CH50 blood test findings can be as follows:

• Malnutrition is the most frequent reason
• Microbiological infection being incorrectly treated
• Sign of serum sickness
• Hepatitis, or liver cirrhosis.
• Angioedema.

High CH50 blood test results will be noticed when the immune system has been actively engaged for some time due to an underlying medical issue. The most frequent cause of a high outcome can be:

• Chronic inflammation
• Juvenile RA
• UlcerativeThyroiditis
• Thyroiditis
• Cancers like leukaemia

The test accurately measures the levels of C3 complement protein in the bloodstream

If you have any reason to believe that you may have a problem with your complement levels, or if your doctor suspects the same, then you should get the test done. There are a few different ways to test for complement levels, but the most common and accurate way is to do a blood test.

The first step in preparing for the CH-50 test is to fast for at least 12 hours before the test. This means that you should not eat or drink anything, except water, during this time. You should also avoid smoking or chewing tobacco during this time.

The second step is to stop taking any medications that could affect the results of the test. These include blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin), and immunosuppressive drugs, such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex) or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).

The CH-50 test is also known as the classical complement pathway activity test. This test effectively measures the functional activity of all three pathways of the complement system. The normal level for this test is 50%.

Glomerulonephritis is a condition that damages the kidney's filtering units, called glomeruli. In people with glomerulonephritis, immune cells mistakenly attack the glomeruli. This can cause inflammation and scarring. The damaged glomeruli are not able to filter waste and fluids properly, which can lead to kidney failure.

Cryoglobulinemia is a condition in which abnormal proteins, called cryoglobulins, build up in the blood. Cryoglobulins are made when antibodies (immune system proteins) stick to other blood components, such as viruses or red blood cells. These sticky proteins can cause clumping of blood cells and blockage of small blood vessels. This can damage organs and lead to serious health problems, such as kidney disease or liver failure.

There are many different ways to combat autoimmune diseases, but one of the most important is to keep your immune system healthy. One way to do this is to take supplements that help boost your immune system, such as vitamin C and zinc. You can also eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise is another great way to keep your immune system strong.

An autoimmune disorder is a condition wherein your immune system mistakenly attacks your body, unable to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy cells. Hence, it can cause unnecessary inflammations in various parts of the body. 

• CH50 Test
• Total Complement Test

The CH50 test is a blood test that measures the activity of the complement system, specifically the classical pathway. It assesses how well the complement proteins work together to destroy sensitised red blood cells, reflecting the overall functioning of the complement system.

Symptoms of complement deficiency can include recurrent infections, autoimmune diseases (like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis), kidney diseases(like glomerulonephritis), and other inflammatory conditions. Specific symptoms may include fatigue, mouth sores, hair loss, joint pain, chronic fever, chest pain while breathing, and swollen lymph nodes.

Yes, home sample collection is available for the CH50 test. Many laboratories, such as Metropolis Healthcare, offer free sample collection at your home for all online bookings, making it convenient for you to get tested without visiting a lab.

The CH50 test is used to evaluate the overall functioning of the complement system, diagnose and monitor autoimmune diseases, track the progress of known autoimmune or infectious conditions, and monitor patients with immunologically complex diseases. It helps healthcare providers assess your immune system's response.

The frequency of testing depends on the underlying condition being monitored. For example, patients with autoimmune diseases may need regular monitoring, while others might only require the test when symptoms arise or change. Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate testing schedule.

There is no specific time requirement for when the CH50 test should be done.

Yes, fasting for at least 12 hours before the CH50 test is often recommended.

The CH50 test measures the functional activity of the classical pathway of the complement system. It reflects the overall ability of the complement proteins to lyse (destroy) sensitised erythrocytes (red blood cells), providing an assessment of the complement system's effectiveness.

The CH50 blood test involves collecting a blood sample, separating the serum, and then freezing it immediately. The serum is then incubated with sensitised erythrocytes, and the degree of hemolysis (red blood cell destruction) is measured to determine the CH50 value.

The CH50 lab test should be done when symptoms suggest a problem with the complement system, such as autoimmune diseases, certain infections, or immunologically complex conditions. Your doctor will recommend the test based on your specific health concerns and medical history.

The sample collection process for the CH50 lab test is relatively quick, but the processing and analysis of the sample can take several days.

Reports for the CH50 complement test are usually available the same day post the day/date the sample is collected and processed. However, this may vary depending on the lab's workload and processing time. Check with your healthcare provider or the lab for more specific timelines.