Complement C4, Serum

Test ID: 

704800

CPT code:

86160

Synonyms:

C4

C4 (β1E Globulin)

C4 Complement

Fourth Complement Component

Clinical Use:

Quantitation of C4 is used to detect individuals with inborn deficiency of this factor or those with immunologic disease in whom hypercatabolism of complement causes reduced levels. These diseases include lupus erythematosus, serum sickness, certain glomerulonephritides, chronic active hepatitis, and others.

Test Information:

C4 is used only by the classical pathway, so that it is decreased only when this arm is activated. In diseases activating the alternate pathway alone, C4 levels will be normal. Total hemolytic activity (CH50), C3, and C4 are frequently decreased in a variety of conditions producing immune complexes. C4 levels are sensitive indicators of lupus disease activity. In hereditary angioedema, the lack of C1 esterase inhibitor allows unopposed lysis of C2 and C4 by C1 esterase, so C4 levels will be low. C4 deficiency has been described in association with a clinical SLE-like disease but with absence of LE cells and variable immunoglobulin or C3 deposits in the skin biopsy, and with Henoch-Schönlein purpura or glomerulonephritis. The condition is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait with close HLA linkage. Hereditary C4 deficiency has been associated with an increased incidence of pyogenic bacterial infections.

Specimen Type:

Serum (preferred) or plasma

Requested Volume: 

1 mL (adult), 0.5 mL (pediatric)

Container Type: 

Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, green-top (lithium heparin) tube, or lavender-top (K3-EDTA) tube

Collection:

Allow serum to clot at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Remove serum or plasma after centrifugation and transfer to a plastic transport tube.

Storage Instructions:

Maintain specimen at room temperature.

Stability Requirements:

Rejection Criteria

Excessive lipemia (>250 mg/dL) and rheumatoid factors (>200 IU/mL) significantly increase the apparent C4 concentration.