Newcastle Laboratories

C1-Esterase Inhibitor Level

Clinical Background:

C1 esterase inhibitor is an enzyme which controls activation of the classical complement pathway alongwith inhibition of enzymes in the blood clotting pathway.  Genetic deficiencies exist which cau...

C1 esterase inhibitor is an enzyme which controls activation of the classical complement pathway alongwith inhibition of enzymes in the blood clotting pathway.  Genetic deficiencies exist which cause Hereditary Angioedema (HAE).  The majority of patients have low levels of C1 esterase inhibitor, with around 20% of patients having normal levels of a non functional inhibitor. 

Read More

Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Immunology

    Immunology

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    Serum-SST

    Serum-SST

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    Serum-Plain tube

    Serum-Plain tube

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    1 ml

    1 ml

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    1 ml

    1 ml

  • Special Requirement:

    Samples MUST be separated within 4 hours of venesection. Please ensure that the sample arrives in the laboratory as soon as possible after being taken.

    Samples MUST be separated within 4 hours of venesection. Please ensure that the sample arrives in the laboratory as soon as possible after being taken.

  • Freq Analysis:

    Fortnightly

    Fortnightly

  • Add On Test:

    Cannot be added on without discussion with Proteins Laboratory

    Cannot be added on without discussion with Proteins Laboratory

  • Quality Assurance:

    UK NEQAS for C1 Inhibitor and Functional Complement

    INSTAND Complement EQA scheme

    UK NEQAS for C1 Inhibitor and Functional Complement

    INSTAND Complement EQA scheme

  • Interpretation:

    Low levels are associated with Type I HAE.  Normal C1 esterase levels does not rule out HAE and so C1 functional testing is carried out to rule out a problem with enzyme function.

    Low levels are associated with Type I HAE.  Normal C1 esterase levels does not rule out HAE and so C1 functional testing is carried out to rule out a problem with enzyme function.

  • Reference Ranges:

    Normal Adult Range: >0.18 mg/L

    Normal Adult Range: >0.18 mg/L

  • Other Info:

    Reported as a numerical value

    Reported as a numerical value

  • Routine Contact Name:

    Proteins Lab

  • Routine Telephone:

    0191 282 4766

    0191 282 4766

  • Routine Email:

Availability:

C1-esterase inhibitor level measurement is available on a fortnightly basis.

Turn Around:

21 calendar days

Send To:

Department of Blood Sciences

Level 3
Leazes Wing
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Queen Victoria Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4LP

View all tests