COMPLEMENT ACTIVITY, TOTAL - (S)

Test Code: CH50

Alternate Name(s): CAE, CAE total, CH50, Complement CH100 Total, Total Complement, Total Complement CH100, Total Complement CH50, Total Hemolytic Complement Activity

CH50 testing is useful for detection of individuals with an ongoing immune process and is the first-order screening test for congenital complement deficiencies.
 
CH50 values below the reference range may indicate a deficiency in one or more of the components of complement. To obtain more definitive information, abnormal specimens should be assayed for levels of the individual components (C1 to C9). Elevated values of CH50 are associated with inflammation or infection. Reduced values may result from consumption of complement by immune complexes or a hereditary deficiency of a complement component. Patients with certain rheumatic diseases, especially with active SLE, may have a low total complement level. Because some complement components are unstable during processing, shipment, or storage, it is prudent to confirm an unexpectedly low value of CH50 by repeating the test on a new sample.
 
Values should be used in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings.

_SH Immunology Test Requisition (R250-10-21)

Adult 19+: 41.68 – 95.06 U/ml
 
Adult reference values adopted from Binding Site, Optilite CH50 Reagent, INSR95.OPT, ver 16th June 2017.
 
Reference values have not been established for patients that are less than 19 years of age. 

Method of Analysis: Turbidimetry – Binding Site Optilite

Within 1 Week

Reportable Range: 12.50 – 100.00 U/ml