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:
C3 Nephritic factors are autoantibodies which enhances C3 activation. C3 Nephritic factors are found in more than 80% of patients with Dense Deposit Disease (DDD) and 40-50% of patients with C3-glomerulonephritis (C3-GN). C3 Nephritic Factors can also be detected in some individuals with partial lipodystrophy, pancreatitis, macular degeneration and rarely in asymptomatic individuals.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum-Plain tube
Specimen container adult:
Serum-SST
Minimum volume paediatric:
2 ml
Minimum volume adult:
2 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.
Sample stability:
1 year at -80 degrees. Samples should not be freeze thawed prior to testing.
Freq analysis:
Fortnightly
Add on test:
Can only be added by discussion with Proteins Laboratory
Quality assurance:
The lab participates in a Sample Exchange with Sheffield
Interpretation:
None
Reference ranges:
Not Applicable
Other info:
Reported as Present or Absent.All C3 Neph requests are considered, we no longer reject samples based on a normal total C3. If total C3 is within the normal range patient serum is separated by electrophoresis and investigated for evidence of C3 breakdown.
If no evidence of breakdown is seen then further testing for C3 nephritic factor is not indicated. If there is evidence of C3 breakdown the further investigation will be carried out.