Does this check produce other names?
Complement element 3, C3
What is that this check?
This check measures the quantity of C3 proteins in your blood. These proteins are a part of your complement system. This is a crucial a part of your immune system. It helps kill micro organism and viruses that trigger illness.
C3 protein is a very powerful and ample protein within the complement system. It covers microbes to destroy them. The check measures complement C3 ranges and the way they evaluate with different components of the complement system. With this data, your healthcare supplier can diagnose and monitor therapy of sure illnesses. One of many illnesses that always causes irregular C3 is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus is an autoimmune dysfunction.
Why do I want this check?
You could want this check in case your healthcare supplier thinks you will have lupus or one other autoimmune illness. Signs of lupus could embody:
-
Rash within the form of a butterfly throughout your cheeks
-
Mouth or nostril ulcers
-
Hair loss
-
Headache
-
Mild sensitivity
-
Fever
-
Joint ache and swelling
-
Excessive tiredness
-
Swelling round your eyes, and in your fingers and toes
-
Ache in your chest when respiration deeply
You may additionally have the check in the event you get repeated bacterial infections. And in case you have been recognized with an autoimmune illness, you will have this check to trace its progress.
What different exams would possibly I’ve together with this check?
Your healthcare supplier might also order a complete complement exercise check. That is additionally known as CH50. This check measures all 9 elements of the complement system, from C1 to C9.
Healthcare suppliers usually order a complement C4 check together with a complement C3 check. In sure illnesses, each elements are low. In different illnesses, just one element is low. In lupus, each C3 and C4 ranges are normally low.
In case your healthcare supplier thinks you will have lupus, you will have different blood exams to see how your immune system is working. These could embody:
-
Assessments to measure antibodies in your blood
-
Erythrocyte sedimentation price (ESR) and C-reactive protein exams, which measure irritation
-
Panels of exams to see in case your kidneys, liver, and muscle mass are affected
What do my check outcomes imply?
Check outcomes could range relying in your age, gender, well being historical past, and different issues. Your check outcomes could also be completely different relying on the lab used. They might not imply you’ve got an issue. Ask your healthcare supplier what your check outcomes imply for you.
The traditional vary for a complement C3 blood check is 75 to 175 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 0.75 to 1.75 grams per liter (g/L).
Your complement ranges will usually rise very excessive simply after an an infection or harm. When your complement system responds to ongoing illness corresponding to lupus, ranges normally go down.
You may inherit a deficiency in your complement C3. However it’s rather more widespread to amass a deficiency. If solely your C3 complement degree is low and all different complement elements are regular, it is normally due to an inherited element deficiency. This makes it extra probably that you’ll develop sure autoimmune issues.
Extra usually, you’ll have low ranges of a number of complement elements directly. That is the results of an acquired illness. In case your C3 and C4 ranges are decreased, this can be an indication that you’ve lupus. With lupus, your complete complement degree could also be barely decrease. Low C3 and C4 ranges might also be an indication of alcoholic liver illness. However that is much less widespread.
Different circumstances linked to low C3 ranges embody:
-
C3 deficiency, a situation that causes recurrent bacterial infections
-
Totally different types of kidney illness
If you’re being handled for a illness like lupus and your complement C3 and C4 ranges go up, it’s normally an indication that your therapy is working.
How is that this check completed?
The check is completed with a blood pattern. A needle is used to attract blood from a vein in your arm or hand.
Does this check pose any dangers?
Having a blood check with a needle has some dangers. These embody bleeding, an infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, it’s possible you’ll really feel a slight sting or ache. Afterward, the positioning could also be sore.
What would possibly have an effect on my check outcomes?
If the blood pattern is mishandled, your C3 ranges could also be falsely low. If the C3 check is completed as a part of a complete complement exercise check, the check needs to be repeated if low ranges are discovered.
How do I prepare for this check?
You need not put together for this check. Inform your healthcare supplier about all medicines, herbs, nutritional vitamins, and dietary supplements you’re taking. This contains medicines that do not want a prescription and any unlawful medicine it’s possible you’ll use.