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COMPLEMENT, C4
Test CodeC4 (OE & LAB)
CPT Codes
86160
Preferred Specimen
Red Tube
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?)
Hemolysis
Methodology
Immunoturbidimetric
Setup Schedule
M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su
Report Available
Report available same day received
Reference Range
19 - 52 mg/dL
Clinical Significance
The Complement system is composed of a series of circulating blood proteins that serve as mediators of the inflammatory response. C4 is utilized only by the classical complement pathway, so that it is decreased only when this pathway is activated. In diseases activating the alternate pathway alone, C4 levels will be normal. 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.
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
