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Reference Guide
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Total Complement
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Total Complement

What's 
Total Complement
?
Total Complement is a term used to describe a group of proteins in your blood that work together to support your immune system. These proteins are like your body's own personal defense team, helping to fight off infections and diseases. They work in a 'complement' system, meaning they all have to work together in harmony to be effective. When your immune system detects something harmful, like bacteria or a virus, these complement proteins spring into action. They help to mark these invaders for destruction, attract immune cells to the area, and even directly destroy some types of harmful cells. The Total Complement test measures the overall activity of this system in your body, helping your doctor understand how well your immune system is functioning.
If Your Levels Are High
High levels of Total Complement biomarker could indicate that your body's immune system is in overdrive. This could be due to an ongoing infection where your body is producing more soldiers (complement proteins) to fight off the invaders (bacteria or viruses). Alternatively, it could be a sign of an autoimmune disease, where your body mistakenly attacks its own cells, causing the immune system to ramp up production of these proteins. Certain genetic disorders can also cause an overactive complement system. Additionally, some medications, like immunosuppressants or corticosteroids, can affect the functioning of your immune system and may lead to elevated Total Complement levels. It's important to note that high levels are not a disease in themselves, but a signal that something else might be going on in your body.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of Total Complement could include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, joint pain and swelling, skin rashes, or frequent infections.
If Your Levels are Low
Low levels of Total Complement could mean that your immune system isn't functioning at its best. This could be due to a variety of reasons. For instance, you might be fighting off an infection, which can use up your complement proteins, leading to lower levels. Certain medications, like immunosuppressants or corticosteroids, can also lower your complement levels. Additionally, some genetic disorders or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or hereditary angioedema, can cause your body to produce less complement proteins or use them up too quickly. In these cases, your immune system might not be able to effectively fight off bacteria and viruses, making you more susceptible to infections.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of Total Complement may include frequent infections, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and symptoms related to specific autoimmune diseases, such as joint pain, skin rashes, or kidney problems.

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