title: The role of complement testing in dermatology.
abstract: An up-to-date knowledge of the molecular events involved in the activation and control of the complement cascade is essential to understand the pathogenesis of a number of conditions presenting to dermatologists. This knowledge underpins the pathogenesis of these conditions but allows the clinician to request the most useful tests in terms of diagnosis and monitoring. In this review we aim to discuss complement biology, the diseases in which complement testing is of particular relevance, the types of laboratory tests available, their utility and interpretation. Additionally it is of critical importance for clinicians not only to choose the most appropriate tests but also to choose to send these to an appropriately accredited laboratory.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Immunology, The Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jamal
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jolles
mesh_terms: D003167:Complement Activation; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D003165:Complement System Proteins