Complement, Total

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB154
  • Soft Test Code:
  • COMPT
  • Send Out Test Code:
  • 618
Alternate Names
  • CH 50
  • Complement, Total (CH50)
Clinical Significance

Total Complement (CH50) concentration is an overall measure of the complement system. Decreased concentrations are observed in patients with complement factor deficiencies and disease activity, e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and immune complex disease.


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Specimen Requirements:

-OR-

1.0 mL Serum in a SST Gold Top Tube
Minimum Volume:
0.2 mL Serum*

* This volume does not allow for repeat testing

Collection Instructions:

Avoid Hemolysis


Processing Instructions:

Centrifuge and separate from cells within one hour of collection into a plastic vial

When ordered with other testing, must be in its own separate tube


Rejection Criteria:

Thawed specimen

Recieved in glass tube

CSF specimen

Pleural Fluid specimen

Pericardial Fluid specimen

Synovial Fluid.specimen


Transport and Storage:
  • Ambient (18-24°C): Unacceptable
  • Refrigerated (2-8°C): Unacceptable
  • Frozen (-20° C or colder): 1 month

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

CH50: 31 - 66 U/mL

Detection Limit: 10 U/mL


Test Comments:

CH50 values below the reference range may indicate a deficiency in one or more of the components of complement. To obtain more definitive information, abnormal specimens should be assayed for levels of the individual components (C1 to C9).


Methodology:
  • Colorimetric

Clinical Significance

Total Complement (CH50) concentration is an overall measure of the complement system. Decreased concentrations are observed in patients with complement factor deficiencies and disease activity, e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and immune complex disease.


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Quest - Chantilly
Days Performed
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Departments
  • Sendouts - Clinical
Turn Around Time

3 to 6 days


Coding & Compliance

CDM

01425700


CPT Coding

86162