Complement

Alternative names:

CH100; CH50; complement assay

Normal values:

• Total hemolytic complement level: 41 to 90 hemolytic units
• C1 esterase inhibitor level: 16 to 33 mg/dl (160 to 330 mg/L)
• C3 levels:
  • males: 88 to 252 mg/dl (880 to 2520 mg/L)
  • females: 88 to 206 mg/dl (880 to 2060 mg/L)

• C4 levels:
  • males: 12 to 72 mg/dl (120 to 720 mg/L)
  • females: 13 to 75 mg/dl (130 to 750 mg/L)

Note: mg/dl = milligrams per deciliter.
(This test may also be reported as mg/L = milligrams per liter.)

What abnormal results mean:

Increased complement activity may be seen in:

• cancer
• ulcerative colitis

Decreased complement activity may be seen in:

• hereditary angioedema
• cirrhosis
• glomerulonephritis
• hepatitis
• lupus nephritis
• malnutrition
• renal transplant rejection
• systemic lupus erythematosus