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.

To evaluate for complement C2, C3, and C4 in one orderable, consider ordering C2 / C2 Complement, Functional, with Reflex, Serum.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation: Fasting preferred but not required

Supplies: Sarstedt 5 mL Aliquot Tube (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Immediately after specimen collection, place the tube on wet ice.

2. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.

3. Immediately freeze specimen.