C1 Esterase Inhibitor (Quantitative) Test Cost & Procedure

C1 Esterase Inhibitor: What Is It?

Your body produces antibodies to combat germs and viruses as one kind of defence against them.

Before your body produces antibodies in response to threats, your immune system can react. For instance, your skin contributes to the prevention of infection. Blood chemicals aid in the recovery of cells damaged by infection. Pathogens are "tagged" for elimination by special proteins.

Your innate immune system includes your complement system. It is made up of a group of nine proteins with the letters C1 through C9. They aid your body in identifying foreign cells that might be disease-causing. Deficits in these proteins can result from specific medical conditions.

How come the test was requested?

If you experience unexplained inflammation or swelling, often known as edoema, your doctor can recommend a C1-INH test. A C1-INH test may also be prescribed by your physician to check for hereditary angioedema (HAE).

How is the exam delivered?

To get ready for a C1-INH exam, you don't need to do anything specific. All that is need is a blood sample.

Your blood will be drawn by a technician or nurse using a needle. They will get a tube to collect your blood. After that, a laboratory will examine it.

What are the test's risks?

Low hazards are associated with the C1-INH test. The process of drawing your blood may cause you some discomfort. While having your blood drawn or thereafter, you can experience some pain at the puncture site.

A blood test may also carry the following dangers:

inability to get a sample, resulting in many needle sticks, heavy bleeding at the needle site, a deposit of blood under the skin called a hematoma, fainting due to blood loss, and infection at the puncture site

What do the outcomes imply?

Depending on the lab that performed the test, your C1-INH results may differ. Discuss your exact results with your doctor.

16 to 33 milligrammes per deciliter are considered to be normal amounts of C1-INH. Your C1-INH levels may be abnormally high or low if they are:

Angioedema that is inherited or acquired

SLE kidney conditions including lupus nephritis, glomerulonephritis, or membranous nephritis, often known as septicemia or blood infection

• Several bacterial infections
• Malnutrition

Your doctor may request more testing to identify the underlying cause if your C1-INH levels are out of the ordinary.