Complement 3 (C3)
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Suspected autoimmune disease, Monitor glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome
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🧬 Complement 3 (C3) Test
Parameter | Complement Component 3 (C3) |
|---|---|
Sample Type | Serum (from a blood sample) |
Fasting Required | ❌ Not required |
Normal Range | 90–180 mg/dL (may vary slightly by lab) |
Department | Immunology / Rheumatology / Nephrology |
Turnaround Time | 1–2 days |
🔍 What Is C3?
- C3 is a central protein in the complement system, a key part of your innate immune system.
- It plays a major role in immune defense, inflammation, and removal of pathogens.
- It helps activate the classical, alternative, and lectin pathways of complement activation.
🧭 Why Is This Test Done?
Clinical Purpose | Used To |
|---|---|
Suspected autoimmune disease | Detect lupus (SLE) or vasculitis |
Evaluate recurrent infections | Check for complement deficiency |
Monitor glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome | Assess renal inflammation or immune complex deposition |
Investigate cryoglobulinemia | Assess immune complex-related inflammation |
Follow-up in SLE patients | Detect flares or remission |
📉 Low C3 Levels May Indicate
Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) | C3 consumed during immune complex deposition in tissues |
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis | Complement used in renal inflammation |
Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) | C3 breakdown or overactivation of alternative pathway |
Sepsis or severe infection | Excessive activation & consumption of complement proteins |
Hereditary C3 deficiency | Rare genetic immunodeficiency |
📈 High C3 Levels May Indicate
Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
Acute or chronic inflammation | C3 is an acute phase reactant (can increase in infection, obesity, etc.) |
Metabolic syndrome | Often elevated along with CRP and other inflammatory markers |
Cancer or certain autoimmune states | Mild elevation may occur in some neoplasms |
🔬 Commonly Ordered With
Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
Complement C4 | Evaluate full classical complement pathway |
ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) | Autoimmune screening |
Anti-dsDNA / Anti-Smith | Specific for SLE diagnosis and monitoring |
CRP / ESR | General inflammation markers |
Urine Protein / Creatinine Ratio | Assess kidney involvement |
C3 Nephritic Factor (C3NeF) | If MPGN or complement overactivation is suspected |
📝 Summary
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Detects | Levels of C3, a core immune system protein |
Use Case | Diagnosing autoimmune & renal diseases, infections |
Low C3 Means | Likely immune overactivation or autoimmune disease |
High C3 Means | Possible inflammation, infection, or metabolic condition |
Follow-ups | C4, ANA, Anti-dsDNA, CRP, Urine tests |
How our test process works!
