Complement Total Serum CH50 Test

Complement Total (CH50) Test Overview

The CH50 test is a laboratory test that measures the total complement activity in serum. A complement is a group of proteins that forms part of the innate immune system. The CH50 test is used to help diagnose and monitor certain autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and is prescribed to assess the effectiveness of the complement system in the body. 

Harmful pathogens that invade the body are eliminated by the immune system with the aid of this mechanism. Several proteins that make up the complement system are secreted by the liver and can be in such abundance that they can account for up to 5% of the globulin fraction in a blood sample.

The complement system is made of proteins which are a part of the immune system. There are close to 30 proteins that work together to protect the body against any infections or diseases. The main function of these proteins is to form antibodies against infections, destroy dead cells, neutralize the virus and bacteria, and build immunity. But at times they may even destroy healthy tissues leading to autoimmune disorders. CH50 serum test is a blood test that detects the overall activity of these proteins, especially the complement activation pathway.

The Complement Total (CH50) test or the CH50 Complement test is a blood test that assesses the activity of the complement system, a crucial component of the immune system. This group of proteins works in harmony to defend the body against infections, eliminate dead cells, neutralise viruses and bacteria, and develop immunity. The CH50 test specifically evaluates the functional activity of the classical pathway of the complement system by measuring the amount of complement required to cause lysis (destruction) of 50% of sensitised erythrocytes (red blood cells).

People with the following conditions should go for this test:

• Have butterfly-shaped rashes on their skin

• Suffering from fatigue, mouth sores, and hair loss

• Show sensitivity to sunlight

• Have pain in the joints

• Have chronic fever and heart pain while breathing

• Have lymph nodes that are swollen

Written by: Dr. Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs