Evaluation of the Optilite® analyser for determination of total complement activity and C3 and C4 fractions

Abstract

The complement system is composed of a set of plasma or membrane proteins. Complement protein deficiencies can be inherited or acquired, through the presence of autoantibodies or through consumption. We evaluated the analytical performance of the Optilite® analyser for the determination of the C3 and C4 levels and for the evaluation of the total complement activity. The intra- and inter-series CVs were evaluated and have showed satisfactory results, the concordances with analysers currently used in the laboratory (BNII® and BCT®, Siemens) are very good, as is the agreement between the serum and plasma samples. We also determined the reference values for the different parameters tested in viewof a routine use of Optilite® analyser in the laboratory.