C3 Complement Serum Test in Malad

C3 are proteins that form the complement system which is a part of the immune system. The complement system is made up of close to 30 proteins which work together to protect the body against any infections or diseases. The main function of C3 along with other proteins is to form antibodies against infections, destroy the dead cells, neutralize the virus and bacteria, and build up the immunity. But at times they may even destroy healthy tissues leading to autoimmune disorders.

Overview

Complement component 3 or C3 is a crucial protein of the immune system. The innate immune system of the body depends on this protein to provide the body's initial line of defence against invading bacteria or viruses. The activity of this protein in your blood is determined by the complement C3 blood test.

What is C3 - Complement-3 Serum Test?

A blood test for C3 complement determines the amount of a C3 protein in your blood.  C3 proteins work with your immune system to eliminate microorganisms that can cause illness.

What is the complement system?

The plasma of the blood contains 60 proteins that make up the complement system.

To protect your body from different infections, these proteins act in harmony in a certain order. The activation of one protein causes the activation of several proteins. In this process, proteins like C3 are consumed. A complement cascade describes the entire procedure.

Complement proteins like C3 occasionally mistakenly target healthy tissues. The body misidentifies its tissues as foreign and harmful due to autoimmune diseases. In response, the complement system produces antibodies to attack its tissues.

In people who inherit autoimmune diseases and infections, their bodies are less effective at eliminating bacteria. 

People with the symptoms of the following conditions should do the C3 - Complement-3 Serum test

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Crohn's disease
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Malnutrition
• Thyroid illness
• Organ rejection
• Colitis ulcerosa
• Anaemia hemolytic (AIHA)
• Certain forms of cancer
• A heart attack or other cardiac issues
• Sarcoidosis (inflammatory disease)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Liver illness due to excessive alcohol consumption
• Hepatitis (liver inflammation) hepatitis A, hepatitis B or hepatitis C
• Angioedema hereditarily (swelling under the skin)
• Bacteremia (blood poisoning)

Conclusion

The Complement-3 blood test is performed to determine the level of complement-3 in the blood. Sometimes it can be hard to know what to do when you receive a diagnosis that is difficult to understand. It’s important to remember that you are not alone and you can feel confident by discussing your questions or concerns about the C3 lab test or the results with our experts.

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