Functional Complement (AKA CH50 & AP50, Complement Activity of Classical and Alternative Pathways)
Department of Immunology
Notes
- Test to exclude complement deficiency states. Such conditions are rare and present either with a predisposition to recurrent bacterial infections, especially meningococcal and pneumococcal infection, or with increased susceptibility to immune complex diseases such as SLE.
- Patients with any form of meningococcal disease, particularly if recurrent, should be screened in convalescence with a CH50. Otherwise, we suggest that you discuss with an Immunologist prior to requesting this assay.
- Test performed by the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Immunology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff. Via Immunology, NBT.
Sample Requirements
Clotted blood. (No patient preparation or special handling required)
Adult
5ml Gold-top SST tube or 3.5ml Rust-top gel tube (Trust users only)
Paediatric
Very labile so must reach the laboratory within 1 hour of venepuncture.
Time limit for add-on
Not appropriate as an add-on test due to the labile nature this analyte.
Turnaround Times
21 days
Reference Range
CH50 100 - 2000
AP50 80 - 200
Information:
Updated: January 2025