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Complement Component C3C
MessageFor Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.
Test Code
C3
Alias/See Also
351;
C3 (serum);
C3 Complement
C3 (serum);
C3 Complement
CPT Codes
86160
Preferred Specimen
serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
plasma from Lithium Heparin (Light Green Top)tube
Instructions
Barrier tubes (serum separator tubes or plasma separator tubes) are preferred. If non-barrier tubes are utilized, the serum/plasma must be removed immediately after centrifuging and placed in a screw-cap transfer tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Transport Container
Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature = 4 days
Refrigerated = 8 days
Frozen = 8 days
Refrigerated = 8 days
Frozen = 8 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Methodology
immunoassay
Setup Schedule
Daily
AU
AU
Report Available
daily
Clinical Significance
Decreased C3 may be associated with acute glomerulonephritis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, immune complex disease, active systemic lupus erythematosis, and generalized autoimmune processes.
Performing Laboratory
Compunet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine, OH 45439
Last Updated: November 22, 2021