Everything You Need To Know About Factor B Testing

Factor B Testing is a powerful tool that can help you determine if you’re at risk of developing various conditions or illnesses. In this article, we’ll go over what the test is, why it’s used, and how to navigate it. we’ll break down the Factor B test and explain why it’s important.

What Is the Factor B Testing?

The Factor B testing is a laboratory test used to measure levels of the protein Factor B in a person’s blood. Factor B is a protein found in the alternative complement pathway, which is part of the body’s immune system.

This test helps diagnose and monitor conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases, as well as certain types of bleeding disorders.

The Factor B test is typically performed alongside other tests to get a better understanding of a patient’s health status. It can be used to help diagnose conditions, monitor disease progression and response to treatment, or assess the risk of developing certain diseases.

Overview of Complement Factor B Function

Complement factor B is a single-chain molecule of 764 amino acids and is part of the alternative complement pathway. It circulates in the blood as a single chain and is cleaved into a 30-kD N terminal ‘Ba’ fragment, which binds to the C3b molecule to form the C3bB complex.

Factor B is an acute-phase protein and levels of factor B increase during inflammation. In addition, CFB (complement factor B) is elevated in adipose tissue and serum from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.

Testing for complement factor B can help to identify these conditions and provide insights into the underlying cause of inflammation.

Properdin Factor B Test Overview

The Properdin Factor B (PFB) test is a quantitative determination of properdin factor B in human serum by rate. It measures the rate of increase in light scattered from collected plasma from a lavender top (EDTA) tube. The PFB test can be ordered as part of a custom complement Factor B functional test. It is an important tool in detecting the activation of the clotting cascade and in assessing a patient’s risk of bleeding disorders.

Sample Requirements for Factor B Testing

Sample requirements for Factor B testing are specific to the type of test being performed. For example, if a complement Factor B functional test is necessary, a sample of plasma or serum can be used. Whole blood, oral swabs, and extracted DNA can also be used.

For testing purposes, the specimen should be collected in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube and should have a minimum volume of:

• 0.5 mL or 4 mL for blood specimens.
• 1 swab for oral swabs.
• 200 ng of DNA for extracted DNA.

Additionally, serum samples should be freshly drawn and transported on melting ice if necessary.

Collection Instructions for Factor B Testing

The collection instructions for the Factor B test are straightforward. For the test to be accurate, it is essential that the sample is collected correctly.

• The specimen must be collected in a lavender top tube, and it must be centrifuged at room temperature within half an hour of the collection – preferably immediately after venipuncture.
• Additionally, the specimen must be received by the main lab within 30 minutes of collection.
• Once collected, the plasma should be separated from the cells and frozen within one hour of collection.
• Once frozen, 1 mL of serum should be transferred to a serum separator tube for transport.
• Following these collection instructions will ensure that the results of the Factor B test are accurate and reliable.

“Related: Serum Electrolyte Test. What do the electrolyte panel results mean?“

Test Methodology for Factor B Testing

The Test Methodology for Factor B Testing is Radial Immunodiffusion (RID). This method is used to measure the protein levels of Factor B in the specimen. The turnaround time for this test is up to four weeks, and it is usually done in the Complement Lab.

With RID, the rate of increase in light scattered from a single drop of patient serum is measured in order to quantify Properdin Factor B.

Custom Complement Factor B Functional Tests

Custom complement factor B functional tests are a great way to support and promote your complement-based drug discovery. These tests offer a comprehensive analysis of the active subunit Bb, which is a serine protease that associates with C3b to form the alternative pathway C3 convertase. These tests can detect circulating levels of C5 and properdin, as well as measure the presence of the complement factor B (CFB).

MBS700929 is an ELISA Kit that is used to analyze CFB, and it can also detect factor IX (FI) in the presence of C3b, which is related to hemophilia diagnosis.

By using this test, you can get a better understanding of the role complement plays in drug development and how it can help inform your discoveries.

Factor B Testing Results

Factor B testing is designed to measure the concentration of Factor B in the blood. The reference range for Factor B is typically between 60% and 130%. 95% of results from healthy individuals are expected to fall within this range.

Interpretation of a specific abnormal test result should be based upon the laboratory-specific reference range reported for that result. It is important to note that each lab must define its own reference range according to the normal test results of a large group of healthy people. The main reference range is:

• Male: 127.6-278.5 mcg/mL.
• Female: 127.6-278.5 mcg/mL.

Related tests

• Factor II Assay
• factor VIII
• Factor IX Assay
• Factor V
• Factor VII Assay
• Factor X Assay
• Factor XI
• Von Willebrand Antigen Assay
• Factor XII, Activity, Platelet Poor Polasma

Given that complement factor B mutations or deficiencies that linked to a wide range of diseases, it is critical to characterize its intricate functions of it through factor B testing.