Complement, Total, Serum
Use
The test is used for the detection of individuals with an ongoing immune process and as a first-tier screening test for congenital complement deficiencies. Complement proteins are components of the innate immune system, involved in complement activation through three pathways: classical, alternative, and lectin. The absence of early components of the complement cascade results in an inability to activate the cascade, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune disease symptoms.
Special Instructions
Fasting for 12 hours is preferred but not required before specimen collection. Proper specimen handling is essential to ensure the complement system is not activated before clinical testing.
Limitations
Proper specimen handling is crucial as the complement system must not be activated before clinical testing. Inappropriate specimen collection and handling can lead to diagnostic confusion. Gross hemolysis and gross lipemia in specimens can cause rejection. Decreased complement levels may indicate infectious and autoimmune diseases. Individual complement component assays are necessary to identify specific deficiencies.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 4532-8
- 4532-8
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Immediately after specimen collection, place the tube on wet ice and allow specimen to clot. Centrifuge at 4°C and aliquot serum into a 5 mL plastic vial. Freeze specimen within 30 minutes of centrifugation. Specimen must be placed on dry ice if not frozen immediately. If a refrigerated centrifuge is not available, use a room temperature centrifuge, provided the specimen is kept on ice before centrifugation, and the serum is aliquoted and frozen immediately afterward.
Patient Preparation
Fasting: 12 hours, preferred but not required
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Frozen | 28 days |