Test Overview
Automated Liposome Lysis Assay
Diagnosis of C8 deficiency; investigation of a patient with absent total complement (CH50) level.
33 - 58 units/mL
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Test Details
1 - 3 days
Specimen Requirements
A fasting specimen is preferred but not required. Collect specimen in an SST (preferred) or red top tube. Immediately after drawing specimen, place the tube on wet ice and allow specimen to clot. Centrifuge at 4 degrees C, aliquot serum into a plastic vial and freeze within 30 minutes of collection. (Note: if a refrigerated centrifuge is not available, it is acceptable to use a room temperature centrifuge, provided the sample is kept on ice before centrifugation, and immediately afterward, the serum is aliquoted and frozen).
Place sample on wet ice following collection. Must arrive in lab or aliquot and freeze within 30 minutes of collection.
Additional Information
The Complement, Total Hemolytic (CH50) assay should be used as a screen for suspected complement deficiencies before ordering individual complement component assays. A deficiency of an individual component of the complement cascade will result in an undetectable total complement level. Test sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories.