Computer-assisted kinetic assay for quantification of total complement activity

Using apparatus available in any laboratory we developed a semiautomated kinetic technique for complement activity assay. Hemolysis of sensitized red blood cells is performed in the thermostated microflow cell of a spectrophotometer connected to a computer. The computer controls, displays on the screen, and analyzes all the different phases of the assay. After definition of optimal operating conditions, we compared the results obtained by this technique and by Kabat and Mayer's. On 221 patients' sera the regression coefficient was 0.94. The values for samples deficient in one fraction or after in vitro activation were very similar. The coefficient of variation was close to 1% for within series studies and better than 3% between series. This technique is very easy to perform even in a routine nonspecialized laboratory and up to 30-40 sample/h can be tested.