C3 Complement Component

Label Mnemonic:	C3
Epic code:	LAB152
Order form:	Laboratory Requisition
Supply order:	Supply Order Form
Billing:	Billing Policies
CPT code:	86160

Specimen(s):

Plasma

Collection Medium:

Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL

Alternate Collection Media:

Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.

Minimum:

3 mL whole blood from light green top tube or 1 Microtainer^®

Testing Schedule:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Turn Around Time:

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

90-180 mg/dL

Comments:

Measures concentration by specific antibody. If cryoglobulin present or suspected, collect specimen as directed for 'Cryoglobulin, Serum'.

Test Limitations:

Criterion: Recovery within plus or minus 10% of initial value.

Icterus: No significant interference up to an I index of 60 
(approximate conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin concentration: 60 
mg/dL or 1026 μmol/l).

Hemolysis: No significant interference up to an H index of 1000 
(approximate hemoglobin concentration: 1000 mg/dL or 621 umol/l)

Lipemia (Intralipid): No significant interference up to an L index of 
2000 (approximate triglycerides concentration: 4000 mg/dL). There is 
poor correlation between turbidity and triglycerides concentration.

Rheumatoid factors up to 1200 IU/mL do not interfere.

No high-dose hook effect is seen up to a C3c concentration of 1250 
mg/dL.

Monoclonal gammopathy sera of the IgA or IgM type can interfere with 
the C3c determination.

Methodology:

Immunoturbidimetric

Sample Processing:

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.

Sample Storage:

Refrigerate.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).

Transport Instructions:

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.

CPT Code:

86160