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HelpMayo Test ID C1Q Complement C1q, Serum
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Fasting for 12 hours
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial
Useful For
Assessment of an undetectable total complement (CH50) level
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Diagnosing congenital C1 (first component of complement) deficiency
Diagnosing acquired deficiency of C1 inhibitor
Method Name
Nephelometry
Reporting Name
Complement C1q, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days | ||
| Ambient | 21 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Clinical Information
The first component of complement (C1) is composed of 3 subunits designated as C1q, C1r, and C1s. C1q recognizes and binds to immunoglobulin complexed to antigen and initiates the complement cascade. Congenital deficiencies of any of the early complement components (C1, C2, C4) results in an inability to clear immune complexes. Inherited deficiency of C1 is rare.
Like the more common C2 deficiency, C1 deficiency is associated with increased incidence of immune complex disease (systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, glomerulonephritis, and Henoch-Schonlein purpura). Low C1 levels have also been reported in patients with abnormal immunoglobulin levels (Bruton and common variable hypogammaglobulinemia and severe combined immunodeficiency). This is most likely due to increased catabolism.
The measurement of C1q is an indicator of the amount of C1 present.
Reference Values
12-22 mg/dL
Interpretation
An undetectable C1q in the presence of an absent total complement (CH50) and normal C2, C3, and C4 suggests a congenital C1 (first component of complement) deficiency.
A low C1q in combination with a low C1 inhibitor and low C4 suggests an acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency.
Cautions
This is a different assay than C1q binding, which is an assay for circulating immune complexes.
Clinical Reference
1. Stegert M, Bock M, Trendelenburg M: Clinical presentation of human C1q deficiency: How much of a lupus? Mol Immunol. 2015 Sep;67(1):3-11
2. Tangye SG, Al-Herz W, Bousfiha A, et al: Human inborn errors of immunity: 2022 update on the classification from the International Union of Immunological Societies Expert Committee. J Clin Immunol. 2022 Oct;42(7):1473-1507
3. Beurskens FJ, van Schaarenburg RA, Trouw LA: C1q, antibodies and anti-C1q autoantibodies. Mol Immunol. 2015 Nov;68(1):6-13
Method Description
Nephelometry and anti- C1q antiserum are used to quantitate the C1q antigen level.(Instruction manual: Siemens Nephelometer II. Siemens, Inc; Version 2.3, 2008; Addendum to the Instruction Manual 2.3, 08/2017)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
2 to 5 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
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
86160
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| C1Q | Complement C1q, S | 4478-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| C1Q | Complement C1q, S | 4478-4 |