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Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells
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Complement diagnostics: concepts, indications, and practical guidelines

Bo Nilsson1, Kristina Nilsson Ekdahl

  • 1Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden. bo.nilsson@igp.uu.se

Clinical & Developmental Immunology
|December 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Complement system analysis aids in diagnosing diseases like autoimmune disorders and infections. Current assays lack sensitivity for individual patient predictions, necessitating improved diagnostic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Complement system aberrations are implicated in various diseases, including autoimmune disorders, infections, cancer, transplantation, and inflammation.
  • While complement analyses reveal group differences, current assays often lack the sensitivity and specificity for individual patient prognostication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the indications, techniques, and interpretations for basic complement analyses.
  • To present a routine laboratory algorithm for complement diagnostics.

Main Methods:

  • Review of indications for serological diagnostic complement analysis.
  • Description of techniques and interpretation guidelines for basic complement assays.
  • Presentation of a laboratory diagnostic algorithm.

Main Results:

  • Basic indications for complement analysis fall into three categories: deficiencies, activation disorders, and C1 inhibitor deficiencies.
  • Current assays show limitations in sensitivity and specificity for individual patient predictions.
  • A structured algorithm aids in the routine interpretation of complement analyses.

Conclusions:

  • Standardized complement analysis indications and interpretation are crucial for diagnosing complement-related disorders.
  • Improved assay sensitivity and specificity are needed for precise individual patient management.
  • The presented algorithm provides a framework for consistent and effective complement diagnostics.

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