Laboratory Services

C3 Complement

Print this page

Updated Test Information:

Test Description
C3 Complement
Synonym(s)
C3, Complement C3
Test ID
C3C
General Information
Quantitation of C3 is used to detect individuals with inborn deficiency of this factor or those with immunologic disease in whom complement is consumed at an increased rate. These include lupus erythematosus, chronic active hepatitis, certain chronic infections, poststreptococcal and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and others.
Specimen Type
Serum
Alternate Specimen Type
Red, Li-heparin plasma
Specimen Requirements
SST
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions
SST - Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection. If a red-top tube or green-top tube is used, transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube.
Minimum Sample Volume
1 mL
Pediatric Min. Volume (if applicable)
500 uL
Additional Processing Details
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection. If a red-top tube or green-top tube is used, transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube.
Stability
4 days at 20-25˚C
8 days at 4-8˚C
8 days at -20˚C
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions
Grossly lipemic samples.
Limitations
Excessive lipemia (>1500 mg/dL) significantly increases the apparent C3 concentration.
Methodology
Immunoturbidimetric
Estimated TAT
0-2 days
Testing Schedule
Monday-Saturday
CPT Code(s)
86160
Reference Range
90-180 mg/dL
Performing Lab
Incyte Diagnostics
LOINC Code(s)
4485-9