Infectious Disease Blood Test

What is Infectious Disease?

Infectious disease is an illness caused by pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that invade the body. These infections trigger immune system responses that can be measured through blood tests, particularly complement proteins that activate during bacterial invasions. The Complement Component C3c and C4c test is the most important test for assessing immune system activity and confirming the body's immunological response to infectious pathogens.

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What causes infectious disease?

Infectious disease is caused by pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, viruses like influenza and coronavirus, fungi like Candida albicans, and parasites like Plasmodium species. These pathogens enter the body through various routes including respiratory droplets, contaminated food or water, direct contact with infected individuals, or insect bites. Once inside the body, these microorganisms multiply and trigger an immune response that produces the symptoms associated with infection such as fever, inflammation, and fatigue.

What is the best test for infectious disease?

The Complement Component C3c and C4c test is the most important test for infectious disease because it measures key immune system proteins that become elevated during bacterial infections. This test detects C3c and C4c complement components that activate as part of your body's defense mechanism against pathogens, providing valuable evidence of an active immune response. When complement levels are elevated, it indicates your immune system is actively fighting an infection, which helps healthcare providers confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the infectious condition. This test is particularly useful for bacterial infections where complement activation is most pronounced.

When should I get tested for infectious disease?

You should get tested if you experience persistent fever above 100.4°F, unexplained fatigue that interferes with daily activities, recurring infections that don't respond to standard treatment, or symptoms like chills, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes that last more than a few days. Testing is especially important if you've been exposed to someone with a confirmed infection, have recently traveled to areas with endemic diseases, or have a weakened immune system from conditions like diabetes or HIV. Early testing allows for prompt diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications and reducing the risk of spreading infection to others.

What are the symptoms of infectious disease?
Common symptoms of infectious disease include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and loss of appetite. Depending on the type of infection, you might also experience respiratory symptoms like cough and shortness of breath, gastrointestinal issues including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or skin manifestations such as rashes and lesions. Many infections also cause swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and general malaise that makes you feel weak and unwell.
Who is at risk for infectious disease?
People with weakened immune systems are at highest risk, including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive drugs, and individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. Healthcare workers, childcare providers, and people living in crowded settings face increased exposure risk. Other risk factors include advanced age (over 65), very young children, pregnant women, people who travel to areas with endemic infections, and those who don't maintain current vaccinations or practice proper hygiene.
What happens if infectious disease is left untreated?
Untreated infectious disease can lead to serious complications including sepsis, a life-threatening whole-body inflammatory response that can cause organ failure and death. Bacterial infections can spread to the bloodstream causing bacteremia, or invade other organs leading to meningitis, endocarditis, or pneumonia. Some infections become chronic and cause long-term tissue damage, while others may develop antibiotic resistance if inadequately treated. Untreated infections can also spread to family members and community contacts, creating public health risks and potential outbreaks.
Can infectious disease be diagnosed with a blood test?
Yes, blood tests are essential tools for diagnosing infectious disease by detecting pathogens directly or measuring immune system responses. The Complement Component C3c and C4c test reveals elevated complement proteins that indicate active immune response to bacterial infections. Other blood tests can identify specific antibodies against viruses or bacteria, detect bacterial or viral DNA through PCR testing, measure inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and white blood cell counts, and assess overall immune function to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
How is infectious disease treated?
Treatment depends on the type of pathogen causing the infection. Bacterial infections are treated with appropriate antibiotics like amoxicillin, azithromycin, or ciprofloxacin based on the specific bacteria identified. Viral infections may require antiviral medications such as oseltamivir for influenza or acyclovir for herpes viruses, though many viral infections resolve with supportive care including rest, hydration, and fever reducers. Fungal infections need antifungal medications, while parasitic infections require antiparasitic drugs. Severe infections may require hospitalization for intravenous medications and supportive care.
How can I prevent infectious disease?
Prevention starts with maintaining up-to-date vaccinations for preventable diseases like influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, and hepatitis. Practice proper hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Avoid close contact with sick individuals, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and don't share personal items like utensils or towels. Maintain a healthy immune system through adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
What natural remedies help with infectious disease?
While natural remedies cannot replace medical treatment for serious infections, certain approaches may support your immune system and symptom relief. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and clear broths to help your body fight infection. Get adequate rest to allow your immune system to work effectively, and consider immune-supporting nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc through food or supplements. Honey has antimicrobial properties and soothes sore throats, while probiotics support gut health and immune function. Steam inhalation can ease respiratory symptoms, and warm salt water gargles may relieve throat pain. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, as natural remedies should complement rather than replace medical care.
How’s this work?
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Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. 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.
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.
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Your testosterone levels are slightly below the optimal range. While this is not necessarily cause for concern, it may contribute to occasional fatigue, reduced motivation, or lower muscle mass over time.

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* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.

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Complement Component C3c and C4c
Google reviews 505 reviews
$228 $178
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

Sample results

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