Clinical background:
Levels will be low in active complement consumption via the classical pathway. Reduced in hypocomplementataemic urticarial vasculitis (see anti-C1q autoantibodies). Will be absent in genetic deficiency (screen with haemolytic complement assays).
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum-Plain tube
Specimen container adult:
Serum-SST
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 ml
Minimum volume adult:
1 ml
Special requirements:
Samples MUST be separated within 4 hours of venesection. Please ensure that the sample arrives in the laboratory as soon as possible after being taken.
Freq analysis:
Fortnightly
Add on test:
All urgent add ons via telephone on 0191 282 4766, and must be confirmed via email to the appropriate email address. For add on sample must have met requirements of receipt [email protected]
Interpretation:
Provided by referral laboratory
Reference ranges:
Normal Range: 79 – 251 mg/L
Other info:
Reported as a numerical value