• Immunoturbidimetric method
• Liquid ready-to-use reagents
• Stable until expiry date when stored at +2 to +8°C
• Measuring range 13 – 502 mg/dl

What is Complement C3?

The complement system is one of the major mechanisms of innate immunology consisting of more than 30 plasma and membrane-associated serum proteins which evokes cytolytic immune responses to pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, chemical tissue damage and anything that is classified as foreign to the body. The complement system can be activated through three major pathways: classical, lectin or alternative. Once activated, reactions occur for antibody opsonisation (the process by which a phagocyte marks a pathogen for ingestion and elimination) to fight against the foreign bodies.  Activation can also occur when the body produces antibodies for its own tissues that it views as being foreign, which is known as an autoimmune disorder. For more information on autoimmune disorders, please click here

During the activation process, Complement C3 splits down into C3b and C3a (peptide). C3b acts as an opsonin and remains bound to the complex at the surface of the pathogen which activates the next step of the process. The small peptide, C3a diffuses away and acts as a chemotactic factor and an inflammatory paracrine.

The Randox Complement C3 assay is used for the quantitative in vitro determination of complement C3 concentration in serum.  The Randox Complement C3 assay allows for the diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune disorders associated with abnormal levels of complement C3 including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  Higher than normal results may be indicative of cancer or ulcerative whereas lower than normal results may be indicative of lupus, hepatitis, or cirrhosis.

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