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Order Code C2 C2 Complement, Functional, with Reflex, Serum

Additional Codes

Epic Order ID LAB5363

Reporting Name

C2 Complement,Functional,w/Reflex,S

Useful For

Investigation of a patient with a low (absent) hemolytic complement, with reflex testing to C3 and C4, if appropriate

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
C4 Complement C4, S Yes No
C3 Complement C3, S Yes No

Testing Algorithm

If the C2 result is less than 15 U/mL, then complement C3 and C4 will be performed at an additional charge.

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Ordering Guidance


This test is for assessment of complement C2 and includes assessment of C3 and C4 as reflex testing. Unless a deficiency has already been identified, initial assessment should begin with the total complement assay (COM / Complement, Total, Serum), which is a screen for suspected complement deficiencies and should be performed 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

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Immediately after specimen collection, place the tube on wet ice and allow specimen to clot.

2. Centrifuge at 4° C and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.

3. Within 30 minutes of centrifugation, freeze specimen. Sample must be placed on dry ice if not frozen immediately.

NOTE: If a refrigerated centrifuge is not available, it is acceptable to use a room temperature centrifuge, provided the specimen is kept on ice before centrifugation, and immediately afterward, the serum aliquoted and frozen.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Frozen 21 days

Reference Values

25-47 U/mL

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

86161

86160 x 2 (if appropriate)

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
C2 C2 Complement,Functional,w/Reflex,S 93977-7

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
C2FX C2 Complement,Functional,S 93977-7
INT53 Interpretation 69048-7

Clinical Information

Complement proteins are components of the innate immune system. There are 3 pathways to complement activation: 1) the classical pathway, 2) the alternative (or properdin) pathway, and 3) the lectin (or mannan binding lectin) pathway. The classical pathway of the complement system is composed of a series of proteins that are activated in response to the presence of immune complexes. A single IgM molecule or 2 IgG molecules are sufficient to trigger activation of the recognition complex initiated by C1q. This activation process triggers a cascade that includes an amplification loop. The amplification loop in mediated by C3, with cleavage of a series of proteins, and results in 3 main end products: 1) anaphylatoxins that promote inflammation (C3a, C5a), 2) opsonization peptides that are chemotactic for neutrophils (C3b) and facilitate phagocytosis, and 3) the membrane attack complex, which promotes cell lysis.

 

The absence of early components (C1, C2, C3, 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 generate lytic activity or to clear immune complexes. These patients have increased susceptibility to infections with encapsulated microorganisms. They may also have symptoms that suggest autoimmune disease, of which complement deficiency may be an etiologic factor.

 

Although rare, C2 deficiency is the most common inherited complement deficiency. Homozygous C2 deficiency has an estimated prevalence ranging from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 40,000 (the prevalence of heterozygotes is 1 in 100 to 1 in 50). Half of the homozygous patients are clinically normal.

 

However, discoid lupus erythematosus or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) occurs in approximately one-third of patients with homozygous C2 deficiency. Patients with SLE and a C2 deficiency frequently have a normal anti-double stranded DNA titer. Clinically, many have lupus-like skin lesions and photosensitivity, but immunofluorescence studies may fail to demonstrate immunoglobulin or complement along the epidermal-dermal junction.

 

Other diseases reported to be associated with C2 deficiency include dermatomyositis, glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, atrophoderma, cold urticaria, inflammatory bowel disease, and recurrent infections.

 

The laboratory findings that suggest C2 deficiency include a hemolytic complement of nearly zero, with normal values for C3 and C4.

Clinical Reference

1. Gaither TA, Frank MM. Complement. In: Henry JB, ed. Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 17th ed. WB Saunders Company; 1984:879-892

2. O'Neil KM. Complement deficiency. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2000;19:83-108

3. Frank MM. Complement deficiencies. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2000;47(6):1339-1354

4. Agnello V. Complement deficiency states. Medicine. 1978;57(1):1-23

5. Buckley D, Barnes L. Childhood subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus associated with homozygous complement 2 deficiency. Pediatr Dermatol. 1995;12(4):327-330

6. Willrich MAV, Braun KMP, Moyer AM, Jeffrey DH, Frazer-Abel A. Complement testing in the clinical laboratory. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2021;58(7):447-478. doi:10.1080/10408363.2021.1907297

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus OK

Method Name

Automated Liposome Lysis Assay

Secondary ID

81835