What does it mean if your complement C4 is high?

Higher-than-normal complement C4 values may be a sign of cancer, ulcerative colitis, and inflammation in general. Lower-than-normal complement C4 values could indicate: bacterial infections.

What is complement total blood test for?

A total complement measurement, also known as a total hemolytic complement or a CH50 measurement, checks how well the complement system is functioning. This test is usually ordered for people with a family history of complement deficiency and those who have symptoms of: RA. kidney disease.

What does complement mean in blood?

Complement is a blood test that measures the activity of certain proteins in the liquid portion of your blood. The complement system is a group of nearly 60 proteins that are in blood plasma or on the surface of some cells.

When do we test complement?

Complement testing may be requested when a person has unexplained infections, swellings, inflammation or symptoms of an autoimmune disorder such as SLE. It may also be used when a doctor suspects that someone may have an immune complex-related condition and he or she wants to check the status of the complement system.

How does the complement system contribute to Ra?

The classical pathway can be initiated by several triggers present in the inflamed joint such as deposited autoantibodies, dying cells, and exposed cartilage proteins such as fibromodulin. B cells producing autoantibodies, which in turn form immune complexes, contribute to RA pathogenesis partly via activation of complement.

What can be detected by a complement blood test?

A complement blood test is most often used to diagnose or monitor autoimmune disorders such as: Lupus, a chronic disease affecting multiple parts of the body, including the joints, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that causes pain and swelling of the joints, mostly in the hands and feet

What kind of blood test is done for RA?

A complete blood count (CBC) is a common rheumatoid arthritis blood test. It measures various levels of cells and chemicals in your blood, including: 5 People with RA often have an abnormal CBC, with anemia decreased red blood cells or hemoglobin (anemia). 6,7

What are the lab results for rheumatoid arthritis?

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Lab Tests and Results Adapted from a presentation at the Early RA Support and Education Program at Hospital for Special Surgery Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, but can affect other parts of the body.