Background Services Overview Protocols Related Products Q&A Resources
In recent years, great progress has been made in complement test to better define disease’ severity and to
explore the development of complement-targeted therapies. Creative Biolabs has extensive experience
in complement test, providing customers with a full range of test services, including complement function/activity
test, autoantibody test, and genetic test, which address the significantly unmet need for accurate and timely
diagnosis and monitoring of complement-related disease.
What Is Complement Test?
Complement test is a blood test that measures the activity of a group of proteins in the bloodstream. These
proteins make up the complement system, which is one part of the immune system. The complement system helps
antibodies fight off infections and destroy substances that are foreign to the body. However, when the
following conditions occur in the complement system: (1) abnormal function of complement components and activation
products, (2) production of autoantibody to complement protein, (3) mutations in the complement gene, it may
lead to autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory reactions. Complement tests contribute to determining
whether deficiencies or abnormalities in the complement system are occurring or contributing to the patient’s
disease or condition.
Types of Complement Test
The following tests are performed at Creative Biolabs:
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Complement function/activity test: We have a variety of
cutting-edge technologies for assessing the integrity of the classical, alternative and lectin complement
pathways. At Creative Biolabs, all 3 pathways are tested simultaneously on all samples
(CH50/AP50 hemolytic assays measure the function of the classical and alternative pathway, ELISA
assays measure the function of the lectin pathway). In addition, individual
complement components and activation products are also tested through many methods, including
immunodiffusion (RID) or nephelometer techniques for individual components and ELISA
for complement activation products. For patients with the suspected atypical hemolytic uremic
syndrome, C3 glomerulopathy and complement deficiency, functional testing of the complement system is required.
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Complement autoantibody test: Autoantibodies against a variety of
complement components, convertases, and regulators have been reported, including C1q or C1
inhibitor (C1-INH) autoantibodies, complement factor H/B (CFH/CFB) autoantibodies and C3
nephritic factors (C3Nefs). These autoantibodies bind to complement proteins and alter the
function of their target proteins, interfering with complement regulation to cause
autoimmune and renal disease. Currently, most of these complement autoantibodies tests are based
on ELISA, while the rest can be measured by other methods, such as immunofixation
electrophoresis and hemolytic assays.
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Complement genetic test: Genetic test is important for determining the
risk of disease. Studies have found that genetic defects in complement proteins can cause many diseases, such
as the atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, age-related macular degeneration and the
like. These diseases are associated with uncontrolled activation of the complement pathway. Gene mutations
play an important role in this activation. Common mutations include mutations in the regulatory
factors: complement factor H (CFH), complement factor I (CFI), membrane cofactor protein (MCP) and
complement components (C3) and complement factor B (CFB). Testing for genetic variation in these complement
proteins can be used in many conditions. Recently, complement genetic test methods have evolved into high
throughput methods, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). Still, in some cases, Sanger sequencing remains
the gold standard for complement gene analysis.
Complement Test Can Be Used To:
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Help diagnose the cause of recurrent microbial infections (such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitides, Neisseria gonorrhea), angioedema, or inflammation.
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Help diagnose, monitor and treat autoimmune diseases and immune complex-related conditions.
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Help develop new complement-targeted therapies to inhibit or enhance complement function in research settings,
determining efficacy and potency of complement-targeted drugs.
Our Advantages
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Have a robust and standardized assay platform
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Scientists experienced in developing complement assays
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Expertise in various different technologies and methods
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Delivering fast, reliable and objective, easy to interpret results
With abundant experience in complement test, Creative Biolabs can bring consistent and efficient
test services and results that can enhance your research. For more information, please feel free to contact us.
Protocols
Related Products
Resources
Questions & Answer
A: Hemolysis assays have traditionally been used to assess the functional activity of the complement system. They provide insight into the integrity of the entire cascade response. These tests are particularly useful when investigating suspected complement defects. Hemolysis tests are performed in test tubes or agarose plates. In the experiment, serial dilutions of the sample to be analyzed are incubated with antibody-sensitized sheep erythrocytes at a defined temperature.
A: Complement tests may include functional analysis, specifically encompassing total complement activity of the classical, lectin and alternative pathways, activity of individual components, C1 inhibitor activity, etc., as well as immunochemical analysis of individual components, analysis of complement activation products, determination of complement binding autoantibodiesd etc.
A: (a) In vitro experiments with human serum and blood. We can easily study the activation mechanism and intervention of complement activation in vitro with human serum. (b) Animal experiments. We can apply genetically defective or knockout animals, such as those with genetic defects in individual complement components. (c) Testing animal complement. Hemolysis assays can be designed for any species.
A: The time can vary depending upon the complexity of the tests being conducted, but overall you can usually expect results within 2 to 3 weeks.
A: We can work with a variety of samples, including serum, plasma, whole blood, and tissue samples. Please prepare them according to our guidelines to ensure the best results.
A: The sample storage and transport methods would depend on the type of sample involved. However, we generally advise for samples to be stored frozen and transported on ice to ensure their viability.
A: We have a team of experts on hand to assist you in understanding your results and their implications for your research.
For Research Use Only.
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