Total complement activity
Total complement activity is a test performed to assess the level of functioning of the complement system.Procedure
The terms "CH50" or "CH100" may refer to this test. The test is based on the capacity of a serum to lyse sheep erythrocytes coated with anti-sheep antibodies.
In combination with the Alternative pathway hemolytic assay it can indicate terminal pathway deficiencies, classic pathway deficiencies and alternative pathway deficiencies.
Increased CH50 values may be seen in cancer or ulcerative colitis. Decreased CH50 values may be seen in cirrhosis or hepatitis or Systemic lupus erythematosus.
