Ordering Guidance

The total complement assay (COM / Complement, Total, Serum) should be used as a screen for suspected complement deficiencies 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: 12 hours, preferred but not required

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 of serum

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. Specimen 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 sample is kept on ice before centrifugation, and immediately afterward, the serum is aliquoted and frozen.