What is the purpose of this test?
The Complement C1q Blood Test, Quantitative, measures the amount of C1q protein in your blood. C1q is part of the immune system and helps your body fight infections by activating other proteins that attack and destroy bacteria and viruses. This test helps doctors understand how well your immune system is working.
Doctors use the Complement C1q Blood Test to diagnose and monitor conditions where the immune system is involved, such as autoimmune diseases like lupus, kidney diseases, and recurrent infections. By measuring C1q levels, doctors can identify abnormalities in the immune system, which can guide treatment decisions and help manage these conditions effectively.
Who should get this test?
The Complement C1q Blood Test, Quantitative, should be ordered by healthcare providers for individuals who need to evaluate their immune system function and diagnose certain health conditions. Here are the groups of people who would benefit from this test:
- Patients with suspected autoimmune diseases: Helps assess the activity of the complement system, which is involved in autoimmune conditions like lupus.
- Individuals with recurrent infections: To check if there's an underlying immune deficiency affecting the complement system.
- Patients with kidney diseases: Helps monitor complement system activity, which can impact kidney function.
- People with suspected hereditary angioedema: A condition involving abnormal complement system function.
- Individuals with unexplained inflammation: To identify if complement system dysfunction is contributing to the inflammation.
- Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy: To monitor complement system levels and activity.
These individuals can benefit from a Complement C1q Blood Test to understand how their complement system is functioning and guide appropriate medical treatment and management of their health conditions.
When should I order this test?
A Complement C1q Blood Test, Quantitative, should be ordered when individuals exhibit symptoms that suggest an issue with their immune system or complement system. Here are some symptoms that may warrant this test:
- Unexplained skin rashes or lesions
- Joint pain or swelling
- Recurrent infections
- Kidney problems
- Chronic fatigue or weakness
- Photosensitivity
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
If you experience these symptoms, discussing them with your doctor can help determine if a Complement C1q Blood Test, Quantitative, is appropriate to evaluate your immune system function and guide further diagnosis and treatment.
For more information about the complement system, see details on the CH50 Blood Test page. Walk-In Lab also offers a C1 Inhibitor Blood Test, C2 Blood Test and C4 Blood Test.
Sample Report
Preparation:
No special preparation is required.
Test Results:
10-12 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
