C1 Esterase Inhibitor

A body's inherent job is to protect itself from viruses and bacteria. It can do so either with the help of antibodies or through a solid immune system. It's this system that reacts to potential threats proactively before the antibodies are formed.

This system is made up of a complement system which comprises nine major proteins – C1 to C9. These proteins recognize any foreign cell that can potentially cause any ailment. With the help of blood tests, it is essential to monitor the deficiencies and keep the protein levels in check.

C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) test is a blood test that measures the level and activity of a protein called C1 esterase inhibitor in the blood. C1-INH is an important protein that plays a crucial role in regulating the complement system and the kinin-kallikrein system, both of which are part of the immune system.

So, if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, a C1 esterase inhibitor test can help determine the cause behind it:

• Swelling in hands, feet, airway, face and gastrointestinal wall
• Vomiting and nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained inflammation, also known as Edema

If the doctor has prescribed the test to monitor the protein levels, book the C1-INH test at Apollo 24|7.

Getting this C1-INH test will help:

• Confirm if you are suffering from any inexplicable Inflammation, Edema or Congenital Inflammatory Disorder
• Assure if the treatment method for Inflammation, Edema or Congenital Inflammatory Disorder is suitable for you
• Diagnose the disease of hereditary angioedema
• Diagnose the deficiency of complement protein levels
• Assess your body’s response to the treatment of autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.

There are no specific steps required to ready yourself for the C1 esterase inhibitor test, except for fasting for 10 to 12 hours. It’s a simple blood test that hardly takes a few minutes. It's very minimally invasive yet involves the potential risks of:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting
• Infection at the injection site
• Difficulty obtaining blood, thus causing multiple needles pokes
• Blood accumulation under the skin, also known as a hematoma

Normal results of C1-INH test generally oscillate between the range of 16 milligrams to 33 milligrams per deciliter.

Abnormal results of C1-INH tests usually indicate the presence of angioedema. Angioedema can potentially cause sudden swelling in the face, tongue or upper throat. It can also make breathing a difficult task. Additionally, it may also result in abdominal pain and swelling in the intestines.

Angioedema can be observed both in children and older adults. Often, the older adults suffering from angioedema may also be found dealing with other medical conditions like autoimmune disease or cancer.