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HelpTest Code C3 or LAB152 C3 Complement, Serum or Plasma
Specimen Requirements
| Container Type: |
Optimal: Gold or Mint* *For STAT requests |
|
Acceptable: Red or Green |
|
| Optimal Collection Volume: |
4.5mL; full tube |
| Minimum Volume: |
|
| Collection Instructions: |
Gently invert the sample 5-6 times after collection. |
| Specimen Transport: |
Refrigerate |
| Processing Instructions: |
1. If serum, allow the specimen to clot for 30 minutes. 2. Centrifuge specimen within 2 hours of collection. 3. After centrifugation, specimen tubes without a gel barrier should have the serum or plasma aliquoted to a false bottom container. 4. Keep the serum or plasma refrigerated until testing can be performed. |
Specimen Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum* | Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Room Temperature | 4 days | |
| Frozen | 1 month |
*Note: Heparinized plasma in gel separator tubes is less stable than serum and is only suitable for add-on testing up to 2 days following sample collection.
Specimen Rejection Criteria
| Hemolysis | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Lipemia | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Icterus | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Other | Quantity not sufficient |
Useful For
This assay is useful in assessing disease activity in a number of inflammatory processes such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), proliferative glomerulonephritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Methodology
Roche Cobas - Immunoturbidimetric
Reference Ranges
86-184 mg/dL
Interpretive
A decrease in C3 levels to the abnormal range is consistent with disease activation in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Source: Mayo Medical Labs
Day(s) Performed
24/7
Expected TAT
Same day
Performing Laboratory
Bronson Laboratory, Chemistry - Kalamazoo
Sample Retention Time
7 days
CPT Code
86160
LOINC Code
4491-7