C3

Test Code

Alias/See Also

Complement Component 3, Complement C3

CPT Codes
86160

Preferred Specimen

Green

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Container

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 24 hours; Refrigerated - 3 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Quantity Not Sufficient, EDTA (purple top tube) contamination, IV contamination

Methodology
Photometric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Reference Range

88 - 165 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

C3 is the most abundant protein of the complement system. As one of the major mediators of inflammation, it serves as the functional link between the classical and alternative pathway of complement system activation. The activation of complement produces a number of biological effects such as the destruction of foreign agents (bacteria, yeast, viruses), release of histamine, and the release of leukocytes from the bone marrow. C3 levels may be used as an aid in the diagnosis of inherited or collagen vascular diseases such as active lupus nephritis, severe infections, and inflammation. Increased levels may be found after trauma or surgery, biliary obstruction, or focal glomerulosclerosis.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.