Complement (C3, C4 Levels)
Department of Immunology
Notes
- Investigation into complement activation including immune complex disease.
- Low C3 and C4 levels can be seen in active SLE.
- Very low C3 in isolation can be seen in post streptococcal glomerulonephritis and C3 nephritic factor related disease.
- Very low C4 in isolation can be associated with C1 inhibitor deficiency. If C4 is normal, C1 inhibitor deficiency is very unlikely.
Sample Requirements
Adult
5ml Gold-top SST tube or 3.5ml Rust-top gel tube (Trust users only)
Paediatric
1ml Serum Sample
Turnaround Times
24 - 48 hours
Reference Ranges
Analyte | Range (g/L) |
C3 | 0.90 - 1.80 |
C4 | 0.10 - 0.40 |