Complement function

Referred to Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services, Frimley Park Hospital Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7UJ
 

Alternative names, keywords

complement AP50, alternate pathway, CH50, CH100, C50, AP100, total haemolytic complement assay, THC

Samples required

Clotted blood (gold cap, 5 mL tube). Smaller tubes are available for paediatric samples.

Bring to lab immediately on ice (sample must be spun, separated and frozen within 2 hours of being drawn).

Do not send via pneumatic tube (pod) system.

Test indications

Investigation of possible complement pathway deficiency.

Test information

Tests functional activity of alternative and lytic components of complement system. Activity is low or absent if any of alternative or lytic complement components are not present.

Reference range

Classical pathway function (CH100): 40 - 100%
Alternative pathway function (AP50): 10 - 100%

Turnaround time

Referral lab quotes turnaround time of 28 days, however additional time must be allowed for packing, dispatch and delivery of sample, and return and processing of results.

Enquiries

Immunology (Referrals)