C3 Complement

Test Code

C3F

Alias/See Also

Complement C3, C3

CPT Codes
86160

Preferred Specimen

GOLD (SST)
Serum (Red) or Gold (SST) or Orange (OJ) or Tiger Top Serum

Instructions

Serum is the recommended specimen. Prior to centrifugation, allow the sample to clot 15-30 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate 2-8^o C and allow clotting to continue for 30-60 minutes. To separate serum: rim the clot and centrifuge in refrigerated centrifuge. Serum should then be separated from the cells as soon as possible.

If cryoprecipitating antibodies are suspected, clot formation and centrifugation should proceed at 37⁰ C because complement fixation may occur if the specimen is chilled. In certain sera, chilling will significantly lower complement titer.

Specimen Stability

Serum samples are stable for up to 8 days without any loss of activity when refrigerated at 2 - 8⁰ C or frozen <= -20⁰ C. Samples should be refrigerated or frozen if the assay cannot be run within 4 hours.

Methodology
Beckman AU

Setup Schedule

24x7

Reference Range

0-3 months: 58-108 mg/dL;
3 months-1 year: 67-144 mg/dL;
> 1 year 80-170 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

Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory

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.