Home
HelpTest Code C3 Complement C3, Serum
Reporting Name
Complement C3, SUseful For
Assessing disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Investigating an undetectable total complement (CH50) level
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days | ||
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Reference Values
75-175 mg/dL
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86160
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| C3 | Complement C3, S | 4485-9 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| C3 | Complement C3, S | 4485-9 |
Interpretation
A decrease in C3 levels to the abnormal range is consistent with disease activation in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Clinical Reference
1. Willrich MAV, Braun KMP, Moyer AM, Jeffrey DH, Frazer-Abel A: Complement testing in the clinical laboratory. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2021 Nov;58(7):447-478. doi: 10.1080/10408363.2021.19072972
2. Wong EKS, Kavanagh D: Diseases of complement dysregulation-an overview. Semin Immunopathol. 2018 Jan;40(1):49-64. doi: 10.1007/s00281-017-0663-8
3. Prohaszka Z, Kirschfink M, Frazer-Abel A: Complement analysis in the era of targeted therapeutics. Mol Immunol. 2018 Oct;102:84-88. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.06.001
4. Brodszki N, Frazer-Abel A, Grumach AS, et al: European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) and European Reference Network on Rare Primary Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN RITA) Complement Guideline: Deficiencies, Diagnosis, and Management. J Clin Immunol. 2020 May;40(4):576-591. doi: 10.1007/s10875-020-00754-1
Method Name
Nephelometry
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday