C4 (Complement component 4), serum
Clinical Background:
Measurement of C4 is useful in the diagnosis of suspected SLE, complement deficiency and HAE. Low C4 may indicate a genetic deficiency, active SLE, the presence of a cryoglobin or active HAE. Low l...
Measurement of C4 is useful in the diagnosis of suspected SLE, complement deficiency and HAE. Low C4 may indicate a genetic deficiency, active SLE, the presence of a cryoglobin or active HAE. Low levels of both C3 and C4 may indicate complement consumption such as in SLE or Sepsis. However, as they are acute phase proteins their levels may be normal in times of rapid consumption
Test Details
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Discipline:
Immunology
Immunology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Sample Stability:
Unseparated sample: 24 hours
Separated sample: 2 days at 15-25°C, 8 days at 2-8°C, 3 months at -20°CUnseparated sample: 24 hours
Separated sample: 2 days at 15-25°C, 8 days at 2-8°C, 3 months at -20°C -
Add On Test:
All urgent add ons via telephone on 0191 282 4766, and must be confirmed via email to the appropriate email address. tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net
All urgent add ons via telephone on 0191 282 4766, and must be confirmed via email to the appropriate email address. tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net
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Quality Assurance:
INSTAND Complement Analysis, UKNEQAS C1 Inhibitor and Functional Complement
INSTAND Complement Analysis, UKNEQAS C1 Inhibitor and Functional Complement
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Reference Ranges:
Paediatric: Approx. 60% adult level at birth, rising to adult level at about 6m.
Adult: 0.18 - 0.60 g/LPaediatric: Approx. 60% adult level at birth, rising to adult level at about 6m.
Adult: 0.18 - 0.60 g/L -
Other Info:
Lithium heparin plasma samples also acceptable
Lithium heparin plasma samples also acceptable
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Routine Contact Name:
Proteins Lab
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Routine Telephone:
0191 282 4766
0191 282 4766
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Routine Email: