Serial testing shows that increasing amounts of IgG anti-C1q predict renal flares in SLE patients. Elevated serum titers of anti-C1q antibodies tend to be associated with proliferative forms of lupus, glomerulonephritis and subendothelial deposits of of immune complexes.
Immediatley following collection, mix sample by gently inverting 5 times
Gold serum separator (SST) tube
Refrigerated (preferred) - 14 days
Ambient - 7 days
Frozen - 60 days
Freeze/thaw cycles - stable x1
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
< 20 Units