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DNA Labs India

Prolactin Serum Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Prolactin Serum Test

Short Name: Properdin Factor B / C3PA

Also known as: C3 Proactivator Test, Factor B Test, Properdin Factor B Test, Complement Factor B Test, C3PA Test

Prolactin Serum Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹7,886. Uses Nephelometry on Serum samples. Results in Sample must be received by the 7th of the month. Reports are typically available 2–3 weeks after sample receipt at the reference laboratory.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Send-Out Test🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr SHAILAJA RAGHUNATH MURDESHWAR

Dr SHAILAJA RAGHUNATH MURDESHWAR

Consultant Physician · Reg: 8052

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

The primary purpose of the Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test is to evaluate the integrity and function of the alternative complement pathway. This test helps clinicians diagnose complement component deficiencies, assess the severity of complement activation in immune-mediated diseases, monitor patients with known complement disorders, and guide treatment decisions in conditions such as membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, recurrent pyogenic infections, and systemic autoimmune disorders. It is also useful in evaluating patients with unexplained low levels of C3 and C4, as alternative pathway dysfunction can result in consumption of downstream complement components.

Test Code
1392
ICD Code
D84.1
Price
₹7,886
Sample Type
Serum
Result Time
Sample must be received by the 7th of the month. Reports are typically available 2–3 weeks after sample receipt at the reference laboratory.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Nephelometry
Step 1

Sample Collection

Ensure the Duly Filled Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is completed prior to sample collection. Inform the phlebotomist about any current medications, recent transfusions, or active infections. No specific fasting is required unless advised by your treating physician.

Method: Venipuncture

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A standard venipuncture will be performed to collect approximately 2 mL of blood into a Serum Separator Tube (SST). The procedure is similar to a routine blood draw and typically takes less than 5 minutes.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Serum must be separated from the clot within 2 hours of collection. The separated serum should be shipped refrigerated (2–8°C) or frozen (−20°C or below) to the reference laboratory. Mild bruising or soreness at the puncture site is normal and typically resolves within 1–2 days.

Timeline: Sample must be received by the 7th of the month. Reports are typically available 2–3 weeks after sample receipt at the reference laboratory.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No specific fasting is required. Complete the mandatory Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35). Inform your physician about all current medications, recent illnesses, and family history of immune disorders. Avoid strenuous exercise for 30 minutes before sample collection.
2
During the Test:A healthcare professional will draw approximately 2 mL of blood from a vein in your arm using a standard venipuncture technique. The blood is collected into a Serum Separator Tube (SST). The procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes and involves minimal discomfort.
3
After the Test:After the blood draw, pressure will be applied to the puncture site with a cotton ball or bandage. Mild bruising or soreness may occur. Serum will be separated within 2 hours and shipped refrigerated or frozen to the reference laboratory. You can resume normal activities immediately.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

The primary purpose of the Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test is to evaluate the integrity and function of the alternative complement pathway. This test helps clinicians diagnose complement component deficiencies, assess the severity of complement activation in immune-mediated diseases, monitor patients with known complement disorders, and guide treatment decisions in conditions such as membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, recurrent pyogenic infections, and systemic autoimmune disorders. It is also useful in evaluating patients with unexplained low levels of C3 and C4, as alternative pathway dysfunction can result in consumption of downstream complement components.

How to Prepare

  • Complete the Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) before sample collection
  • No fasting is required unless specifically directed by your physician
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity for 30 minutes before the blood draw
  • Inform the phlebotomist about any medications, supplements, or recent blood transfusions
  • Wear short-sloved clothing to allow easy access to the arm
  • Stay hydrated before the test to facilitate blood collection

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (General Medicine) · Reg. No. 8052

"Low concentrations of C3 proactivator (Factor B) are frequently observed in patients with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and endotoxin-induced complement activation. When a patient presents with recurrent urinary abnormalities, unexplained proteinuria, or a history of recurrent infections alongside renal dysfunction, evaluating the alternative complement pathway through this test can provide critical diagnostic insight. Early identification of complement pathway deficiency helps guide targeted treatment strategies and may prevent progression to chronic kidney disease. I recommend this test as part of a comprehensive complement workup for patients with suspected immune-mediated renal pathology."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeSerum
Sample Volume2 mL (1 mL minimum)
ContainerSST (Serum Separator Tube)
Collection MethodVenipuncture

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: Up to 8 hours
Refrigerated (2–8°C): Up to 72 hours
Frozen (−20°C or below): Up to 30 days
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Haemolysed, lipaemic, or severely icteric samples
  • Samples not separated within 2 hours of collection
  • Unlabelled or mislabelled specimens
  • Samples received without the mandatory Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35)
  • Specimens collected in inappropriate tubes (non-SST containers)

Understanding Your Results

Results from the Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test must be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation, medical history, family history, and other complement assay results. Low levels of Properdin and/or Factor B suggest alternative pathway dysfunction, while normal levels help exclude deficiencies of these specific components. The following guide provides general interpretive framework:
📊

Suggests adequate function of the alternative complement pathway. Deficiency of these specific components is unlikely. Correlate with clinical presentation and other complement studies.

📊

May indicate Properdin deficiency, which is an X-linked complement disorder associated with increased susceptibility to Neisseria meningitidis infections. Genetic confirmation may be recommended.

📊

Suggests alternative pathway activation and consumption of Factor B, commonly seen in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), post-infectious glomerulonephritis, or endotoxin-induced complement activation. May also indicate reduced hepatic synthesis.

📊

Indicates significant alternative pathway dysfunction. Further workup including genetic testing, renal biopsy (if indicated), and assessment for immune complex diseases is recommended.

📊

May be seen as an acute-phase response or in conditions with compensatory complement activation. Correlate with inflammatory markers and clinical context.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult your healthcare provider if you experience recurrent infections (especially bacterial infections of the respiratory tract), unexplained fever, persistent fatigue, swelling of the extremities or face, blood or protein in urine, joint pain, or skin rashes. If you have a family history of complement deficiencies or autoimmune diseases, discuss the need for complement testing with your physician. If your test results show abnormal Properdin or Factor B levels, timely follow-up with a nephrologist or immunologist is recommended.

Limitations

  • ⚠This test evaluates only specific alternative pathway components and does not assess the entire complement cascade
  • ⚠Results should be interpreted alongside other complement assays (C3, C4, CH50, AH50)
  • ⚠Single-point measurements may not reflect dynamic complement activation; serial testing may be required
  • ⚠Reference ranges may vary between laboratories; always interpret using the laboratory's own reference values
  • ⚠Genetic deficiencies may require confirmatory molecular testing

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Minor bruising or haematoma at the venipuncture site
  • ●Mild pain or discomfort during needle insertion
  • ●Rare risk of infection at the puncture site
  • ●Fainting or dizziness in sensitive individuals

Interfering Factors

  • ●Haemolysed or lipaemic samples may affect accuracy
  • ●Recent blood transfusion may alter complement protein levels
  • ●Acute-phase inflammatory conditions can cause transient elevation of complement proteins
  • ●Immunosuppressive medications may suppress complement synthesis
  • ●Delayed sample processing (serum not separated within 2 hours) may affect results

Compare With Similar Tests

TestProlactin Serum TestComplement C3 TestComplement C4 TestCH50 (Total Complement Activity) TestAH50 (Alternative Pathway Activity) Test
ComparisonProlactin Serum TestMeasures C3 levels to evaluate both classical and alternative pathways. The Properdin Factor B test specifically evaluates alternative pathway components.Measures C4, primarily reflecting classical pathway activity. C4 is usually normal in isolated alternative pathway deficiencies.Assesses the functional integrity of the entire classical complement cascade. The Properdin Factor B test focuses on the alternative pathway.Functionally evaluates the alternative pathway. The Properdin Factor B test quantifies specific protein levels rather than functional activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test?
The Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test is a specialised blood test that measures the levels of Properdin (Factor P) and Factor B (C3 Proactivator) in serum. These are key proteins involved in the alternative pathway of the complement system, which is part of the body's innate immune defence. The test is performed using nephelometry and helps diagnose complement deficiencies and related immune-mediated conditions.
Why is the Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test recommended?
This test is recommended for individuals who experience recurrent infections, particularly bacterial infections, those with suspected complement system deficiencies, patients with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis or other immune-mediated kidney diseases, individuals with autoimmune disorders, and those with a family history of complement deficiencies. It helps clinicians evaluate whether the alternative complement pathway is functioning properly.
What sample is required for this test?
The test requires 2 mL (1 mL minimum) of serum collected in a Serum Separator Tube (SST) via standard venipuncture. Serum must be separated from the blood within 2 hours of collection. The separated serum is then shipped refrigerated or frozen to the reference laboratory for analysis.
Is fasting required for the Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You may eat and drink normally before sample collection. However, you must complete the mandatory Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) prior to sample collection. Always follow any specific instructions provided by your physician.
What is the cost of the Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test at DNA Labs India?
The Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test costs Rs 7885.8 at DNA Labs India. This price includes free home sample collection in major cities across India. Online booking is available for your convenience.
How long does it take to get the results?
This is a send-out test. Samples must be received by the 7th of the month, and reports are typically available 2–3 weeks after sample receipt at the reference laboratory. Results can be accessed through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
What do abnormal results mean?
Low levels of Properdin may indicate Properdin deficiency, an X-linked condition associated with increased susceptibility to meningococcal infections. Low levels of Factor B (C3 Proactivator) suggest alternative pathway activation and consumption, commonly seen in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, post-infectious glomerulonephritis, or endotoxin-induced complement activation. Abnormal results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider alongside other clinical and laboratory findings.
Is home sample collection available for this test?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for the Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test. This service is available across numerous cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, and many more. You can book online to schedule a convenient home collection.
What is the complement system and why is it important?
The complement system is a group of over 30 proteins circulating in the blood that form an essential part of the innate immune system. It helps destroy pathogens, clear immune complexes from the body, and promote inflammation. The alternative pathway, which involves Properdin and Factor B, is activated directly by microorganisms without the need for antibodies. Dysfunction in this system can lead to recurrent infections, autoimmune diseases, and kidney disorders.
What is the difference between this test and the Complement C3 or C4 test?
The Complement C3 and C4 tests measure the levels of specific complement proteins that serve as indicators of both classical and alternative pathway activation. The Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test specifically evaluates components of the alternative pathway. While C3 and C4 tests are commonly used as initial screening tools, the Properdin Factor B test provides more targeted information about alternative pathway integrity and is typically ordered when an alternative pathway defect is suspected.
Is this test covered under government health schemes?
Coverage for the Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test under government health schemes such as PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat), CGHS, ECHS, and ESIC depends on the specific scheme guidelines and the referring hospital or polyclinic. It is advisable to check with the relevant scheme authority or your healthcare provider. Private insurance coverage varies by policy.
How should I prepare for the Properdin Factor B C3 Proactivator Test?
No special preparation such as fasting is required. However, you must complete the mandatory Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) before your sample is collected. Inform your physician and the phlebotomist about any medications you are taking, recent blood transfusions, or any active infections. Stay well hydrated and avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 30 minutes before the blood draw.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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