Test Category: Immunology
Investigation Name:C3 Nephritic factor
Alias or Abbreviation:C3Neph
Intro:
Indication:Investigation of unexplained low C3. Low C3 with normal C4 is mandatory for this test.
Further information:
C3 nephritic factor is an IgG autoantibody which binds to the Bb portion of C3 convertase (C3bBb), thereby stabilising the molecule and preventing the action of Factor H.
This results in the continual activation of the alternative complement pathway The presence of C3 nephritic factor has been observed in a variety of disorders; including membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, post-streptococcus glomerulonephritis, partial lipodystrophy, SLE, urticarial vasculitis, with hypocomplementemia being a common feature.
Approximately two-thirds of patients with partial lipodystropy have a low C3 andcirculating C3 nephritic factor, and have an increased tendency to develop membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.
Pathology Laboratory:Immunology Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Minimum Sample Volume:2 mL
Expected Turnaround Time:3 weeks
Test Code:C3NF
Sample Type:
Serum Gel Tube (Gold top)Complex Reference Range:Negative
Reference Laboratory Details:Immunology, Sheffield
Referred to Another Laboratory?Yes
Storage Requirements:Ambient temperature
Posting Address / Requirements:1st class post/ Trust transport
Lead Contact Details:Clinical queries email: rwh-tr.bcpsimmunologyclinicalqueries@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.ImmunologyLab@nhs.net
Site Sample Tested:Immunology, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton
Contact Number:01902 695279
