Sample type: Serum

Test name: C1 Esterase Inhibitor

Condition / Indication: Diagnosis and monitoring of C1 esterase inhibitor

Special precautions & notes: Very low levels seen in hereditary angioedema. (Rare; 1/50000). C4 is always low in acute episodes. Freeze within 24 hours of venepuncture. Samples must be transported frozen to NBT.

Reference range: Immunochemical 0.21-0.38g/L, Functional >70%

Container: Serum (Gold top)

Ideal volume (mL): 2 mL

Referred outside NBT for analysis? No

Discipline: Immunology

Section: Immunochemistry/Proteins

Turnaround time: 14 working days

Information for Laboratories referring samples for analysis at NBT:

Minimum volume 200ul serum. Serum sample required in our laboratory within 4 hours of venepuncture if stored/transported at ambient temperature. Samples can also be frozen at -70oC within 4 hours of venepuncture and sent to our laboratory frozen.

Please provide C3 and C4 levels. We will add on if not given.

Method:

C1 Esterase (functional activity) –Colourmetric ELISA
C1 Esterase (Antigen level) Immunochemical - Turbidimetry

Further information: EQA: UK NEQAS C1 Inhibitor and Functional Complement