What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, or other symptoms that suggest your immune system may be overactive. It's often used when there's concern about conditions like lupus, acute pancreatitis, or other illnesses that involve inflammation. Checking this marker can help you understand whether your immune system's complement pathway is more active than normal.

What's included in this test?

This test measures a single specific marker that reflects how active your immune system's complement pathway is at the moment. Because this pathway plays a role in fighting infections and clearing damaged cells, unusual activity can point to inflammation or an autoimmune process happening in the body.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of the normal range so you know exactly where your value falls. If your level is elevated, next steps usually include retesting to confirm the result and watching for other symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, or skin changes that might need prompt attention. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and the trends feature lets you track this marker over time if you test again in the future. If a result looks very high or comes with severe symptoms, seek medical care right away.

How can I naturally support a healthy immune response?

Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fats can help support a balanced immune system. Regular moderate exercise and staying hydrated also help your body regulate inflammation naturally. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol can reduce unnecessary immune system strain as well.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected. Once processed, they'll be uploaded directly to your secure online account so you can view them as soon as they're available. You'll be able to see your value alongside the reference range immediately.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good option for people who have symptoms consistent with an autoimmune or inflammatory condition, such as unexplained fatigue, joint pain, or skin rashes. It's also useful if you've had a recent illness like acute pancreatitis or a tick-borne infection and want to check on immune activity. People already being monitored for lupus or similar conditions may also find this test helpful for tracking changes over time.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms that might prompt this test include persistent joint pain, unexplained fatigue, skin rashes, fever, or abdominal pain without a clear cause. Symptoms following a tick bite or a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis can also be reasons to check this marker. If you're being evaluated for an autoimmune condition, this test can add helpful information.

What does high C3a desArg mean?

A high result means your immune system's complement pathway is more active than usual, which often happens during inflammation or an autoimmune flare. This has been seen in conditions like lupus, acute pancreatitis, Lyme disease, and severe lung inflammation. An elevated result is a signal to look closer at your overall symptoms and consider retesting or additional evaluation.

What causes high C3a desArg levels?

Elevated levels are usually caused by conditions that trigger strong immune activity, such as autoimmune diseases like lupus, infections like Lyme disease, or acute inflammatory events like pancreatitis. Severe illnesses affecting the lungs, such as respiratory distress syndrome, can also raise this marker. Because many different conditions can cause an increase, it's most useful when looked at alongside your symptoms and other test results.

How often should I retest?

If your result is elevated, retesting after your symptoms change or after a few weeks can help you see whether levels are going up, down, or staying steady. If you're managing a known condition like lupus, periodic retesting can help you track how active your immune system is over time. The trends feature in your account makes it easy to compare results side by side.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

C3a desArg Test - Immune & Inflammation Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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