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Immunology & Serology Home collection available

C3 Complement

Parameters1 tested
SampleBlood
FastingNot required
Report inSame day

How to prepare

No fasting needed

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Good to know

No special preparation needed.

Medicines

Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.

Comfortable clothes

Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.

How it works

Book onlinePick a time slot
Home visitSealed, sterile kit
Lab testingBarcode tracked
ReportIn same day

About this test

C3 is the most plentiful complement protein, which helps the immune system clear germs. Low C3 is a sign of immune activity using it up.

Why is this test done?

  • Monitor lupus
  • Look into kidney inflammation
  • Investigate repeated infections

Symptoms — when should you get tested?

  • Joint pain and skin rash
  • Swelling of face or feet
  • Blood or protein in urine

Normal range

Adults 90 – 180 mg/dL

Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

If your result is high

High C3 is usually a sign of inflammation.

Common reasons
  • Infections
  • Inflammatory conditions

If your result is low

Low C3 suggests complement is being consumed.

Common reasons
  • Active lupus
  • Post-infectious glomerulonephritis
  • Severe infection
  • Inherited deficiency

How is the test done?

  1. 1
    Book online

    Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.

  2. 2
    Blood sample taken

    A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.

  3. 3
    Tested in our lab

    Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.

  4. 4
    Report on WhatsApp

    A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.

Frequently asked questions

No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.

Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.

Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.

This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.

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