C3 - Nephritic Factor Fresh Serum Reported as present or absent C3 Nephritic Factor is an IgG autoantibody which stabilises the alternative pathway C3 convertase and leads to continuous C3 breakdown. This is associated with Type II MPGN and also with partial lipodystrophy. A fresh serum sample is required, reaching the lab within 4 hours of venepuncture. Cardiac Antibodies Serum Reported as positive or negative Antibodies are positive in a proportion of patients with Dressler's Syndrome following myocardial infarction, after cardiac surgery and in some cardiomyopathies. Diagnostic value is low.
Antibody disappears following gluten withdrawal.
Most adult women and some men will have low levels of candida precipitins. Polyclonally raised IgG occurs in chronic infection and inflammation, especially HIV infection, chronic liver disease and to a lesser extent in connective tissue diseases. Low levels always warrant further investigation, as serious infective complications may occur. These tests are only available by prior discussion with the medical staff. They are valuable in the investigation of humoral immune deficiency.