Complement Total (CH 50) Test

A complement test is a blood test that measures the activity of proteins in part of blood known as serum. These group of proteins make up the complementary system which is a part of human immune system. The complement system helps antibodies to fight infections and destroy substances that are alien to the body. The complement system is also activated when body makes antibodies to fight with its own issues that are considered to be foreign by the body. This is the case of autoimmune diseases. This test can measure the progress of people undergoing treatment of autoimmune diseases. The test can see how advanced the proteins of these diseases by the activity of complement proteins in the blood.

The test is a normal blood draw test and does not require any kind preparation or fasting before the test is conducted. The doctor or the health professional is to be informed regarding any kind of medications prescribed or not prescribed before the test.

Most commonly C3 or C4 complement tests are used to determine whether difficulties or abnormalities in the complement system are cause of person’s disease or condition. Total complement test may be ordered to look at the integrity of complement pathway in human body. The test may be used to Help diagnose the cause of recurrent microbial functions angioedema or inflammation. Monitor immune complex related diseases. Diagnose and monitor the activity of acute or chronic autoimmune diseases.

The test requires taking a blood sample from the body of the patient. An elastic band is tied around the upper arm of the patient and blood sample is taken with the help of a needle from the vein of the arm. The result may take 2-3 days. After the sample is taken the patient may feel some mild bruising or throbbing. There might be skin soreness at the time of needle being inserted.