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Catalog ID C3 C3 Complement

CPOE Test Name

C3 Complement

Synonyms

Complement B1C/B1A; complement C3

Specimen Type

Serum

Specimen Requirements

5 mL gold top SST tube; 3 mL blood

Storage and Transport

Do not maintain specimen at room temperature for longer than 6 hours. Specimens may be refrigerated for no longer than 24 hours. Specimens which will not be tested within 24 hours should be frozen at -15° C or lower, avoiding multiple freeze-thaw cycles.

Reference Values

0-3 months: 58-108 mg/dL; 3-6 months: 67-124 mg/dL; 6-9 months: 74-138 mg/dL; 9-12 months: 78-144 mg/dL; 1-10 years: 80-150 mg/dL; 10-18 years: 85-160 mg/dL; 18-30 years: 82-160 mg/dL; >30 years: 90-170 mg/dL

Interpretation

C3 comprises about 70% of the total protein in the complement system and is utilized in both the classical and alternative complement pathways. C3 quantitation does not discriminate between classical and alternative modes of complement activation.

Causes for Rejection

Improper labeling; gross lipemia; wrong tube; insufficient quantity

CPT / HCPCS Code

86160

Performing Lab

Core Laboratory BI 2023 721-2120