The determination of MBL concentrations in serum may be useful for the elucidation of suspected immune defects and as a prognostic indicator alerting to the need for heightened therapeutic or prophylactic measures in immunosuppressed patients, including patients receiving cancer chemotherapy and patients with cystic fibrosis, SLE, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Immediately following collection, mix sample by gently inverting 5 times

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Red serum vial/tube, 5 mL

1. Allow sample to clot
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection
3. Transfer serum to a Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp), labelled as serum

Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp)

Ambient (preferred) - 14 days 

Refrigerated - 14 days

Frozen - 14 days

Freeze/thaw cycles - stable x 3

• Non-serum sample
• Hemolysis
• Lipemia

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using microwells coated with the unique monoclonal antibody to capture MBL via an epitope near its carbohydrate-binding site. Bound MBL is detected with the same antibody that has been labeled with biotin.

Low: 0 - 50 ng/mL

Intermediate: 51 - 500 ng/mL

Normal: >500 ng/mL

Mannose-binding protein is a component of the innate or natural immune system which binds to mannose residues on a variety of different microorganisms. When bound, this lectin will trigger the complement pathway resulting in opsonization. Mannose-binding protein is also an acute phase reactant produced by the liver. Patients who have abnormal levels of mannose-binding protein may have recurrent significant infections in the absence of abnormalities in the four major arms of the immune system. Abnormal mannose-binding protein concentrations have been found in patients with infectious disorders such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and in autoimmune disorders including recurrent spontaneous abortion and systemic lupus erythematosis.