Measurement of total haemolytic complement activity in body fluids

Abstract

The measurement of total haemolytic complement is of diagnostic value in the rheumatic diseases. A method which is easier to perform than that of Kabat and Mayer (Experimental Immunochemistry, 2nd ed., Thomas, Springfield, Ill.) is described. A unit based on the mean value of the complement activities of normal sera is proposed to replace CH50 units. Other steps by which standardisation of the assay may be improved are suggested.