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Complement Total

Complement total is a blood test used to evaluate the activity of the complement system, which is a group of proteins that play a crucial role in the immune response. The complement system helps to identify and destroy foreign substances in the body, such as bacteria and viruses, and also plays a role in the clearance of damaged cells and immune complexes. The complement system is activated through a series of cascading reactions, leading to the activation of complement proteins and the formation of a membrane attack complex (MAC), which can directly lyse (destroy) cells. The complement total test measures the levels of various complement proteins in the blood, including C3, C4. Abnormal levels of complement proteins can be indicative of a range of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and infections, such as sepsis. However, it is important to note that interpretation of the complement total test results can be complex, and must be done in conjunction with other clinical information. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, can affect complement levels, and some conditions, such as SLE, can be associated with both low and high complement levels. Therefore, the results of the complement total test must be interpreted in the context of the individual patient's clinical history and symptoms.

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