MORL Screening Methodology

Hemolysis-based assay

  • 1ml frozen serum 

Click here to print sample and shipping requirements.

  • Serum samples must be frozen to below -80°C immediately after separation from cells and shipped on dry ice. These samples remain viable for at least six months when stored at -80°C.

  • All serum samples MUST be processed and frozen down to -80°C immediately after collection
  • Labeled with the sample type AND patient’s name, DOB, MRN and sex
  • Cryovials should be put in zip lock bags and completely covered in dry ice to keep the sample frozen until it arrives in the lab
  • Shipped overnight on at least 5 lbs of dry ice
  • Shipping and receiving dock closed on weekends and holidays 
    • Deliveries accepted Monday - Friday 

If samples arrive thawed they will be REJECTED.

 

Click here to print sample and shipping requirements.

Dense Deposit Disease and C3 Glomerulonephritis
Testing is appropriate for patients with C3 glomerulopathy (DDD and C3GN). C4 nephritic factor (C4Nef) is an autoantibody to the classical pathway C3 convertase (C4b2a). By stabilizing C4b2a, it prolongs the half-life of this convertase and protects C4b2a against decay dissociation by C4 binding protein (C4BP). C4Nef has been associated with several diseases including post-infectious glomerulonephritis (Halbwachs et al, 1980), systemic lupus erythematosus (Daha and van Es, 1980), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (Tanuma, et al. 1989) and meningococcal disease (Miller, et al. 2012)

Information

Quick Facts

  • CPT code: 86161
  • Test code: 06C4NEF
  • Turnaround time: 4 weeks
  • Cost: $400
Requisition Form

To order:

Use this requisition form to order this test.

Testing is recommended for patients diagnosed with C3 glomerulopathy (including Dense Deposit Disease and C3 glomerulonephritis). C4 nephritic factor (C4Nef) is an autoantibody that targets the classical pathway C3 convertase (C4b2a). By stabilizing C4b2a, it extends the half-life of this convertase and shields it against decay dissociation by C4 binding protein (C4BP). C4Nef has been implicated in several diseases, including post-infectious glomerulonephritis (Halbwachs et al., 1980), systemic lupus erythematosus (Daha and van Es, 1980), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (Tanuma et al., 1989), and meningococcal disease (Miller et al., 2012; Zhang et al., 2017).  

Halbwachs L, et al.: Nephritic factor of the classical pathway of complement: immunoglobulin G autoantibody directed against the classical pathway C3 convertase enzyme. J Clin Invest. 1980, 65(6):1249-56. PMID: 6902727

Daha MR and van Es LA: Relative resistance of the F-42-stabilized classical pathway C3 convertase to inactivation by C4-binding protein. J Immunol. 1980, 125(5):2051-4. PMID: 6903579

Tanuma, Y, et al.: C3 nephritic factor and C4 nephritic factor in the serum of two patients with hypocomplementaemic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Clin Exp Immunol. 1989, 76(1):82-5. PMID: 2736802

Miller, EC, et al.: Autoantibody stabilization of the classical pathway C3 convertase leading to C3 deficiency and Neisserial sepsis: C4 nephritic factor revisited. Clin Immunol. 2012, 145(3):241-50. PMID: 23117396

The Clinical Diagnostics Service of the Molecular Otolaryngology & Renal Research Laboratories is a CLIA-approved, Joint Commission-accredited diagnostic laboratory.