COMPLEMENT, C3

Test Code

C3 (OE & LAB)

CPT Codes
86160

Preferred Specimen

Red Tube

Patient Preparation
None

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Gold Tube (SST)

Instructions

NOTE: Clotting process requires a total of 30-60 minutes.

Prior to centrifugation, allow sample to clot at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.
Refrigerate sample, allow clotting to continue for a full 30 minutes.
Rim the clot then centrifuge in a refrigerated centrifuge. If a refrigerated centrifuge is not available, aliquot serum and refrigerate immediately.
If sample will not be tested within 4 hours of centrifugation, refrigerate or freeze serum, not the red tube.

Transport Container

Red Tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

2-8°C up to 8 days
15-30°C up to 4 hours
Frozen up to 8 days (thaw only once)

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

Hemolyzed

Methodology
Immunoturbidimetric

Setup Schedule

M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun

Report Available

Report available same day received.

Reference Range

87 - 200 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

The Complement system is composed of a series of circulating blood proteins that serve as mediators of the inflammatory response. C3 comprises about 70% of the total protein in the complement system and is central to activation of both the classical and alternate pathways. Measurements of this protein aids in the diagnosis of immunologic disorders, especially those associated with deficiencies of complement components.

For example, patients with active lupus erythematosus may have lower-than-normal levels of the complement proteins C3 and C4.

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab

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.