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Test Code C1Q Complement C1q, Serum

Reporting Name

Complement C1q, S

Useful For

Assessment of an undetectable total complement (CH50) level

 

Diagnosing congenital C1 (first component of complement) deficiency

 

Diagnosing acquired deficiency of C1 inhibitor

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: Fasting for 12 hours

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Red top

Acceptable: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 28 days
  Frozen  28 days
  Ambient  21 days

Reference Values

12-22 mg/dL

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

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.

CPT Code Information

86160

Clinical Information

The first component of complement (C1) is composed of 3 subunits designated as C1q, C1r, and C1s. C1q recognizes and binds to immunoglobulin complexed to antigen and initiates the complement cascade. Congenital deficiencies of any of the early complement components (C1, C2, C4) results in an inability to clear immune complexes. Inherited deficiency of C1 is rare.

 

Like the more common C2 deficiency, C1 deficiency is associated with increased incidence of immune complex disease (systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, glomerulonephritis, and Henoch-Schonlein purpura). Low C1 levels have also been reported in patients with abnormal immunoglobulin levels (Bruton and common variable hypogammaglobulinemia and severe combined immunodeficiency). This is most likely due to increased catabolism.

 

The measurement of C1q is an indicator of the amount of C1 present.

Report Available

2 to 5 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus OK

Method Name

Nephelometry