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Test Code C5AG C5 Complement, Antigen, Serum

Test Down Notes

This test is temporarily unavailable. For additional details, see test announcement here.

Reporting Name

C5 Complement, Antigen, S

Useful For

Diagnosis of C5 deficiency

 

Investigation of a patient with an absent total complement (CH50) level

Method Name

Nephelometry

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Ordering Guidance


The total complement assay (COM / Complement, Total, Serum) should be used as a screen for suspected complement deficiencies before ordering individual complement component assays. A deficiency of an individual component of the complement cascade will result in an undetectable total complement level.



Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: Fasting preferred but not required

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Red top

Acceptable: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and separate serum from clot.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Frozen (preferred) 60 days
  Refrigerated  28 days
  Ambient  7 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus OK

Reference Values

10.6-26.3 mg/dL

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

CPT Code Information

86160

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
C5AG C5 Complement, Antigen, S 4505-4

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
C5AG C5 Complement, Antigen, S 4505-4

Clinical Information

Complement proteins are components of the innate immune system. There are 3 pathways to complement activation: 1) the classic pathway, 2) the alternative (or properdin) pathway, and 3) the lectin activation (mannan-binding protein: MBP) pathway. The classic pathway of the complement system is composed of a series of proteins that are activated in response to the presence of immune complexes. The activation process results in the generation of peptides that are chemotactic for neutrophils and that bind to immune complexes and complement receptors. The end result of the complement activation cascade is the formation of the lytic membrane attack complex (MAC).

 

The absence of early components (C1-C4) of the complement cascade results in the inability of immune complexes to activate the cascade. Patients with deficiencies of the early complement proteins are unable to clear immune complexes or to generate lytic activity. These patients have increased susceptibility to infections with encapsulated microorganisms. They may also have symptoms that suggest autoimmune disease and complement deficiency may be an etiologic factor in the development of autoimmune disease. 

 

More than 30 cases of C5 deficiency have been reported. Most of these patients have neisserial infections.

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Report Available

2 to 5 days