DIAGNOSTIC TEST 573

Complement Function

Diagnostic test for Complement function (classical, alternative, lectin). For suspicion of complement deficiency and complement activation.

Indication

Suspicion of congenital or acquired complement deficiency and complement activation. Further investigation and follow-up of SLE and glomerulonephritis

Sample material

Serum

  • Minim. volume: 0,5 mL

Transport

  • Within Sweden: frozen
  • International: frozen

Method

ELISA

Reference interval

Classical pathway (CP): 69-129%

Mannan binding lectin pathway (MBL pathway): 10-125%

Alternative pathway (AP): 30-113%

Result

Complement function is reported as normal or reduced with percentage of normal human serum.

Interpretation

Moderately impaired function of the classical pathway (10-68%) may be an expression of complement activation with consumption of complement factors. Further investigation is recommended. When highly impaired function (<10%), a new sample for verification of the finding and further investigation is indicated.

Impaired function of the MBL pathway is likely due to MBL deficiency (Mannose‑Binding Lectin), which occurs in about 10% of the population. MBL deficiency in combination with other causes of impaired immunity is thought to contribute to increased susceptibility to infection.

Moderately impaired function of the alternative pathway (10-29%) does not provide evidence for primary total complement deficiency. Further investigation is determined by medical history and other analysis results. When highly impaired function (<10%), a new sample for verification of the finding and further investigation is indicated.

References

  • Nordin Fredriksson G et al. J Immunol Methods. 1993. New procedure for detection of complement defiency by ELISA. PMID: 8288879
  • Ling M, Murali M. Clin Lab Med. 2019. Analysis of the Complement System in the Clinical Immunology Laboratory. PMID: 31668271
  • Defendi F et al. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2020. The Immunopathology of Complement Proteins and Innate Immunity in Autoimmune Disease. PMID: 31834594
  • Thurman JM, Fremeaux-Bacchi V. Immunol Rev. 2023. Alternative pathway diagnostics. PMID: 36305168

Included in these panels

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How to order

This test is available worldwide for hospitals, clinics, and physicians.

  1. Print and complete the request form

    Download the request form. Clearly state the name and phone number of the referring hospital, clinic, or physician. If you are a new customer, please also include a completed customer information form.

  2. Prepare your samples

    Serum: At least 0.5 mL serum (plain serum tubes without additives).

  3. Send samples and request form

    Within Sweden
    Send samples frozen to:
    Envelopes and smaller boxes:
    Wieslab AB, Box 50117, 20211 Malmö, Sweden

    Larger boxes and frozen samples:
    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

    International
    Send samples frozen to:
    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

Last updated: 2026-09-21