
A Complement Test is a blood test that measures the activity and levels of proteins in the complement system, a crucial part of the immune system. This test helps diagnose and monitor various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, providing valuable insights into the body's immune response.
Here are the basic details of the Complement Test.
| Also Known As | Complement C3 and C4 Test |
| Type | Blood test |
| Purpose | Assess immune system and diagnose disorders |
| Sample Type | Serum |
| Preparation | No |
| Fasting | Fasting is not typically required |
| Gender | All |
| Age Group | All |
| Normal Value |
|
| Reporting Time | Few Days |
| Cost | 1000 - 2000 INR* |
*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.
The Complement Test assesses proteins in the immune system.
The purpose of the Complement Test is to:

Here is the basic preparation for the Complement Test.
Here is the basic Complement Test Procedure.
Complement test measures the activity and levels of immune proteins.
Further tests or evaluation may be needed for a diagnosis.
Here is the normal range of the Complement Test
| Complement Component | Normal Range (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| C3 | 90 - 180 mg/dL |
| C4 | 10 - 40 mg/dL |
Here is the Interpretation of the Complement Test.
| Complement Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| High | Suggests potential autoimmune conditions. |
| Normal | Typical immune system function. |
| Low | May indicate immune system deficiencies. |
Potential Causes of High Complement Test Levels.
| High Complement Test Levels | Potential Causes |
|---|---|
| Autoimmune Diseases | Conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). |
| Inflammatory Conditions | Rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, or inflammatory disorders. |
| Bacterial Infections | Conditions such as sepsis or endocarditis. |
| Pregnancy | Pregnancy can elevate complement levels. |
| Medications | Certain medications can increase complement levels. |
Elevated Complement test levels may suggest an underlying medical condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Potential Causes of Low Complement Test Levels.
| Low Complement Test Levels | Potential Causes |
|---|---|
| Autoimmune Diseases | Conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). |
| Hereditary Deficiencies | Genetic factors leading to complement deficiencies. |
| Kidney Disorders | Kidney diseases may reduce complement production. |
| Certain Medications | Medications or treatments affecting complement. |
| Complement Activation | Excessive complement activation in some disorders. |
Low Complement test levels can indicate various underlying health conditions, including autoimmune diseases, hereditary deficiencies, and kidney disorders. Consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.
Here are the specimen requirements for the Complement Test.
|
Specimen |
Serum, frozen |
|
|
Volume |
1 ml |
|
|
Container |
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube |
|
|
Collection |
Allow specimen to clot at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Remove serum after centrifugation, place in plastic transport tube and freeze. |
|
|
Storage |
Freeze |
|
|
Sample Stability |
Temperature |
Period |
|
Frozen |
14 days |
|
|
Freeze/thaw cycles |
Stable x3 |
|
|
Causes for Rejection |
Specimen not frozen; gross lipemia; plasma specimen (Ascorbic acid, bilirubin, and hemoglobin do not have a significant effect on the measurement.) |
|
The Complement test is generally safe and non-invasive.
Here is the basic limitation of Complement Test.
Here are some of the risk factors of the Complement Test.
Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the Complement Test.
| Complement Test Result | Doctor to Consult | Reason to Visit Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| High | Rheumatologist | Suspected autoimmune conditions |
| Normal | Primary Care Physician | Routine checkup |
| Low | Immunologist or Nephrologist | Immune system or kidney evaluation |
Here are the estimated Complement Test Prices in India with different top cities:
|
City |
Price Range (INR)* |
|
1000-2000 |
|
|
1200-2000 |
|
|
1000-2000 |
|
|
1200-2000 |
|
|
1000-2000 |
|
|
1200-2000 |
|
|
1000-2000 |
|
|
1200-2000 |
|
|
1200-2000 |
|
|
1000-2000 |
|
|
1200-2000 |
|
|
1000-2000 |
|
|
1200-2000 |
|
|
1000-2000 |
*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.
Summary
Overall, Complement Test aids in the diagnosis and management of various immune system disorders by measuring the activity and levels of complement proteins. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.
Reference
DOCTOR'S MOST TRUSTED HEALTHCARE PLATFORM
10M+
Patients
30000+
Doctors
25000+
Hospitals/Labs