Serum or plasma mass concentration of a substance related to complement activation (e.g., C3a des-Arg or C5a des-Arg)
This test measures specific breakdown products of the complement system, which play a role in immune responses. These products are fragments of proteins like C3 or C5 that signal inflammation.
["Understanding these fragments helps assess immune function and potential inflammatory conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57501-9
- Short code
- 11DC pre MTP SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- 11DC pre MTP SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test Measuring?
This test detects specific anaphylatoxin fragments (e.g., C3a or C5a) that result from the activation of the complement system—a part of the immune response. When your body detects pathogens or damaged cells, the complement system releases these fragments to help fight infection and reduce inflammation.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of immune-related conditions, such as chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, or certain infections. It can also help evaluate how well your immune system is responding to treatments.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then processed to separate serum or plasma, where the anaphylatoxin fragments are measured using a specialized laboratory technique (likely immunoassay or nephelometry).
What Does the Result Mean?
Results may indicate elevated levels if your immune system is overactive (e.g., in autoimmune diseases) or if there is an ongoing inflammatory process. However, interpretation depends on clinical context and other test results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test helps identify specific markers of complement activation, which can be useful in diagnosing conditions like: - Chronic inflammatory diseases - Autoimmune disorders - Certain infections (e.g., sepsis) - Monitoring immune responses to treatments. Elevated levels may suggest an overactive immune response, while normal levels help confirm baseline immune function.
Short name
Complement-derived anaphylatoxin levels
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
What are the common causes of abnormal results?
Is there anything I should do before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy