Indicator Explainer
Complement Component C8
A heterotrimeric protein complex composed of complement component 8 (C8) chains alpha, beta and gamma. The alpha and gamma chains form a disulfide-linked dimer that is noncovalently associated with the beta chain. C8 inserts itself into target cell membranes following formation of the C5b-6-7 complex and then recruits 10-16 molecules of C9 to complete the formation of the membrane attack complex.
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C178619. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-20. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.