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Complement
Alternate Names : Complement Assay, Complement Proteins
DefinitionThis is a blood test that measures complement activity or the concentration of complement components in serum.
Why is the Test Performed?
Complement activity (CH50, CH100, terminal complement component, or individual complement proteins) is measured to determine if complement is involved in the development of a number of diseases. Complement activity is also measured to monitor how severe a disease is or to determine if treatment is working.
For example, patients with active lupus erythematosus may have lower-than-normal levels of C3 and C4, and the levels of these complement components may be monitored to gauge disease activity.
Complement activity varies throughout the body. For example, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, complement activity in the blood may be normal or higher-than-normal, but much lower-than-nomral in the joint fluid.
Patients with gram negative septicemia and shock often have very low C3 and components of what's known as the alternative pathway. C3 is often also low in fungal infections and some parasitic infections such as malaria.
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• Definition
• Why is the Test Performed?
• How is the Test Performed?
• How to Prepare for the Test?
• How will the Test Feel?
• Normal Values
• What do Abnormal Results Mean?
• Special Considerations
• Risks
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Cirrhosis
• Glomerulonephritis
• Hepatitis
• Hereditary Angioedema
• Lupus Nephritis
• Malaria
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Septicemia
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Ulcerative Colitis
Tests & Exams
• C1 Inhibiting Factor
• C4 Level
• Complement Component 3 (C3)
Surgery & Procedures
• Kidney Transplant
Other Topics
• Adolescent Test or Procedure Preparation
• Bleeding
• Fainting
• Infant Test/Procedure Preparation
• Preschooler Test/Procedure Preparation
• Protein in Diet
• School Age Test/Procedure Preparation
• Shock
• Toddler Test/Procedure Preparation
Review Date : 8/6/2003
Reviewed By : Megan E. B. Clowse, M.D., M.P.H., Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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