Low levels of complement may be due to inherited deficiencies, acquired deficiencies, or due to complement consumption (eg, as a consequence of infectious or autoimmune processes). Absent C6 levels in the presence of normal C3 and C4 values are consistent with a C6 deficiency. Absent C6 levels in the presence of low C3 and C4 values suggests complement consumption.
Normal results indicate both normal C6 protein levels and normal functional activity.