Dr. Lal PathLabs strengthens autoimmune diagnosis with India’s first comprehensive complement lab

New Delhi: Dr. Lal PathLabs (DLPL) has launched India’s first dedicated Complement Testing Laboratory, strengthening its position as India’s leading hub for autoimmune diagnostics.

This advanced facility brings globally benchmarked complement assays to Indian patients, several for the first time in the country, helping doctors diagnose autoimmune, kidney, and recurrent infection related conditions faster, more accurately, and at earlier stages.

Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are increasingly being recognized across India, with more patients seeking care for conditions that often begin with vague, overlapping symptoms. Many individuals experience fever, joint pain, swelling, fatigue, or kidney-related issues and may consult multiple doctors before receiving a clear diagnosis.

These delays occur because autoimmune diseases can progress silently, affecting vital organs long before symptoms become obvious. Complement testing helps uncover the underlying immune disturbance and provide clarity on why these symptoms occur and enabling earlier, more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The complement system is a group of blood proteins that help fight infections, clear damaged cells, and protect vital organs. When this system is weak, the body, especially children, becomes prone to repeated or severe infections. When it becomes overactive, it can mistakenly attack healthy tissues, contributing to conditions such as lupus, certain kidney diseases like C3 glomerulopathy and atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, transplant rejection, and even sepsis.

Because the complement system can malfunction in different ways, understanding its activity is crucial. Complement testing measures important immune proteins such as C3, C4, and C5, helping identify whether the immune response is overactive, underactive, or malfunctioning, a vital step in diagnosing and managing autoimmune diseases early.

“Complement testing has long been underrepresented in India’s diagnostic landscape. By introducing functional and antibody-based complement assays such as C1q, C5, Factor B, Factor H antibody, AH50, and C1 INH functional, many for the first time in the country, we are enabling earlier and more precise insights into immune-mediated disease. This bridges the gap between research and routine clinical care.” Said Dr. Vandana Lal, Executive Director, Dr. Lal PathLabs.

“As a pioneer in specialized diagnostics, we are proud to offer India’s first comprehensive complement testing platform. This marks a major step toward faster diagnosis, better treatment decisions, and improved outcomes for millions living with autoimmune and kidney diseases” said Mr. Shankha Banerjee, CEO, Dr. Lal PathLabs.

The Complement Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art immunoturbidimetric and ELISA platforms and adheres to CAP and NABL accreditation standards. For patients living with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, the launch offers greater clarity and control over disease management. Early and precise diagnosis means better treatment outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and improved quality of life.