Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Measurement of C3 is useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of SLE and immune complex disease. Persistently low C3 can indicate the presence of a C3 Nephritic Factor or other conditions of complement activation. Low levels of both C3 and C4 may indicate complement consumption such as in SLE or Sepsis. However, as they are acute phase proteins their levels may be normal in times of rapid consumption.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Specimen container adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL blood
Sample stability:
Unseparated sample: 24 hoursSeparated sample: 7 days at 4oC
Add on test:
All urgent add ons via telephone on 0191 282 4766, and must be confirmed via email to the appropriate email address. [email protected]
Quality assurance:
INSTAND Complement Analysis, UKNEQAS C1 Inhibitor and Functional Complement
Reference ranges:
Paediatric: Approx. 2/3 adult level at birth, rising to adult level at about 1y.
Adult: 0.68 – 1.80 g/L
Other info:
Lithium heparin plasma samples also acceptable