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Complement Total

What Is the Complement Total Test?

The Complement Total test is a blood test used to assess the function and activity of the complement system—a group of proteins that play a vital role in the body’s immune response. This system helps to defend against infections by identifying and eliminating foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.

Role of the Complement System in Immunity

The complement system is activated through a cascade of biochemical reactions that result in the activation of complement proteins. This process leads to the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC), which can directly destroy infected or damaged cells. The complement system also assists in clearing immune complexes and dead cells from the body.

What the Complement Total Test Measures

The test evaluates the levels of key complement proteins in the blood, including:

C3

C4

These components are essential for proper immune function, and changes in their levels can provide important clues about immune system health.

Conditions Associated with Abnormal Complement Levels

Abnormal complement levels may indicate a variety of health conditions, including:

Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Severe infections, including sepsis

Immune complex disorders

It’s important to understand that both elevated and decreased levels of complement proteins may occur, depending on the underlying cause.

Factors That May Influence Test Results

Several factors can affect complement protein levels, such as:

Medications, including corticosteroids and immunosuppressants

Chronic inflammatory conditions

Individual variations in immune function

Because of these variables, results from the complement total test should always be interpreted alongside the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic findings.

Complement Total Testing in Slough and Surrounding Areas

Private blood testing for complement activity is available in Slough, Windsor, Langley, Maidenhead, and nearby Berkshire areas. If you're being evaluated for autoimmune conditions, chronic inflammation, or immune-related symptoms, local complement testing services in Slough provide professional diagnostics to support your clinical assessment and treatment planning.

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