Classical and alternate pathway for complement activity
- Description
- When genetic complement deficiency is suspected it is necessary to assess the functional integrity of the pathways of complement activation to help localise the deficiency and then identify the particular deficient component. The common practice is to test for complement C3, C4, alternative and classical pathway of complement activation. Samples that are haemolysed or delayed in processing are subject to auto activation and unsuitable for functional complement assay. Please contact the Immunology laboratory before ordering the test. The complement system which is part of the innate immune system is a cascade of protein proteases, activator and inactivator proteins.
- Related condition
- Reference range
- Classical pathway 66 - 113% Alternate pathway 30 - 113%
- Units
- % Activity
- Synonyms
- Complement, Complement function, Classical pathway activity, alternative pathway activity
- Testing site
- Synnovis : Reference Services : Blackfriars Hub
- Laboratory
- Diagnostic Immunology
- Sample type and volume required
- Clotted (Gold top vacutainer)
- Special sample instructions
All tests are compromised by prolonged transit times. For this reason, date of bleed and date of postage must be provided with each request.
- Storage and transport
- Sample must arrive in Immunology within 2 hrs, or for outside laboratories be separated and frozen within 2 hours and sent on ice.
- Turnaround time
- 14 working days
- Time limit for extra tests
- 10 days