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Please, please...help...Complement Component C3C test results...

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Posted 4/26/2014 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
I just got my labs back (didn't speak with the doctor yet), and my results for the C3C test are "Out of range" at 88. I'm in my 30's. Why are my results considered out of range. Is this bad? I went to Quest Diagnostics. Does this mean I might have an autoimmune disease, or Lupus? Oh, and my C4 result is 21..which is considered in the normal range.

I've had chronic pain for years, and have a pretty strong family history of autoimmune diseases, but my ANA test was negative. Thank you so much.

Post Edited (flower123) : 4/26/2014 2:32:20 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/26/2014 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
C3's range is 88-201. You're in range just boarderline.
A low c3 is an indicator for something, but I'm not sure what.

I've never liked how quest does their reports. They have different ways of writing their reports and their ranges are unusual in my opinion.

Wait and see what your doctor says.
Posted 4/26/2014 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you very much. So do you think the allergist (who ordered these tests) will recommend that I see a rheumatologist?
Posted 4/26/2014 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe. My allergist sent me to a rheumy after testing me for autoimmune disease.

Rheumys are the best for determining autoimmune diseases. They specialize in them.
Posted 4/27/2014 9:31 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks. These numbers are bugging me, but maybe they're just due to me having such awful allergies and being allergic to such a long list of things.
Posted 4/27/2014 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi flower123. An important thing to remember is that each laboratory establishes it's own expected (normal) range for each test. So your range may be different than the one couchtater stated. Okay, so now I'll try to explain complement. Complement enhances the body's defense mechanisms against foreign cells (bacteria, viruses and such). Defects in complement are associated with lupus and RA, but it doesn't mean you have lupus. There are 11 criteria associated with lupus and you must have at least 4 of these to have a lupus diagnosis. Please refer to our resources at the top of the page or visit the lupus foundation web site for more info. I hope this helps ease your mind a bit. Love, Butterflake
Posted 4/28/2014 4:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Flower123,

Donna did a great job explaining the labs to you. You said that your C3 was out of range, like Donna said each lab has their own range. Your C3 is just barely out of range.

Normally, a person with Lupus their C3 and C4 are out of range. Plus, they are LOW by a fair amount. Like Donna said, there are 11 symptoms and you need 4 for a DX of lupus.

People can have a low C3, C4, or a postive ANA and NOT have lupus. Healthy folks can have these labs be positive and NEVER get lupus. So try not to worry over this blood test. Wait till you speak with your Dr.

My daughter has had a positive ANA. at 1:640 since she was 7, she's now 21. She still doesn't have lupus. Until she starts showing more symptoms I'm not going to worry overly about it.

I hope when you speak with your Dr all will be fine. Let's us know what they say.

Hugs,
Barbara
Posted 4/29/2014 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much. I looked at the symptom list, and I really don't think I have it. I will be sure to update. Thanks again for the support.
Posted 5/4/2014 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to update. Dr. was not at all worried about my blood test. She said that it's fine:) Thanks again for your help.
Posted 5/10/2017 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I know this is old but just wanted to know if you had any further lab results?

I just got mines and also got a low 78 on my c3c, Normal but borderline on on my c4c (16) and negative on my ANA. Everything else was normal. I do have chest pain which I get hurt very easily just by lifting 20 pounds, rib-cage pain (sometimes) and lack of air. For many years they said it was reflux but now they are saying is not so a rheumatologist order these test which I will see him on Monday. I do have gluten sensitivity and try to stay gluten free (but not always sure I did) Any feedback is appreciated. ;-) God Bless!

Post Edited (Jose55) : 5/10/2017 11:29:12 AM (GMT-6)

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