MORL Screening Methodology

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

  • 1ml frozen EDTA plasma

Click here to print sample and shipping requirements.

  • EDTA plasma 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 EDTA plasma 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.

Complement component 5 (C5) is a plasma glycoprotein (MW: 195 kDa) synthesized in the liver, monocytes and lymphocytes. The mature protein is composed of two disulfide-bound polypeptide chains (C5α and C5β). Upon activation, C5 is cleaved into C5a (MW: 11 kDa) and C5b (MW: 185 kDa) by C5 convertase. C5a is a potent anaphylatoxin that facilitates acute inflammatory responses; C5b initiates the sequential activation of the terminal pathway (C6 to C9) resulting in formation of the terminal complement complex (C5b-9).

The common pathophysiological basis of both Dense Deposit Disease (DDD) and C3 Glomerulonephritis (C3GN) is dysregulation of the AP. Consumption of AP complement components is dependent on the degree of dysregulation of the C3 and C5 convertases. Plasma C5 levels are reduced in both DDD and C3GN as compared to controls (p<0.001 for both diseases) (see Zhang et al. Defining the complement biomarker profile of C3 glomerulopathy, CJASN 2014).

Information

Quick Facts

  • CPT code: 86160
  • Test code: 06C5L
  • Turnaround time: 2 weeks
  • Cost: $300
Requisition Form

To order:

Use this requisition form to order this test.

Background Knowledge

Complement component 5 (C5) is a plasma glycoprotein (MW: app. 190 kDa) synthesized in the liver, monocytes and lymphocytes. The mature protein is composed of two disulfide-bound polypeptide chains (C5α and C5β). Upon activation, C5 is cleaved into C5a (MW: 11 kDa) and C5b (MW: 185 kDa) by C5 convertase. C5a is a potent anaphylatoxin that facilitates acute inflammatory responses; C5 convertase initiates the sequential activation of the terminal pathway (C5 to C9), leading to formation of the pore-forming membrane attack complex C5b–9 (MAC). 

The common pathophysiological basis of both Dense Deposit Disease (DDD) and C3 Glomerulonephritis (C3GN) is dysregulation of the AP. Consumption of AP complement components is dependent on the degree of dysregulation of the C3 and C5 convertases. Plasma C5 levels are reduced in both DDD and C3GN as compared to controls (p<0.001 for both diseases) (see Zhang et al. Defining the complement biomarker profile of C3 glomerulopathy, CJASN 2014).

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