Cystatin C

CYSTATIN C Test

This Test measures the level of Cystatin C, a protein produced by nearly all cells in the body and filtered from the blood by the kidneys. Because its production remains relatively constant and is less influenced by factors such as age, gender, or muscle mass than creatinine, Cystatin C is considered a reliable marker for assessing kidney function. Measuring Cystatin C helps estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which indicates how efficiently the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood.

This test is commonly used to detect early kidney disease, especially in individuals where creatinine-based kidney function tests may be less accurate, such as older adults, children, people with very low or high muscle mass, or those with chronic illnesses. It is also recommended for monitoring patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, hypertension, or other conditions that increase the risk of kidney damage. In some cases, the Cystatin C Test is combined with serum creatinine to provide a more accurate estimation of kidney function and support early diagnosis and treatment.

This Test is Recommended for Individuals:

• Individuals with suspected early kidney disease.
• Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requiring regular monitoring.
• People with diabetes or high blood pressure who are at increased risk of kidney damage.
• Older adults or individuals with low or high muscle mass where creatinine results may be less reliable.
• Kidney transplant recipients requiring kidney function assessment.
• Individuals with unexplained changes in kidney function.
• Anyone advised by a nephrologist or healthcare provider to evaluate kidney health.

FAQs

1. What is the Cystatin C Test used for?
This Test measures the level of Cystatin C in the blood to assess kidney function, estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and detect early kidney disease.

2. Do I need to fast before a Cystatin C Test?
No. Fasting is generally not required before a Cystatin C Test. However, follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or diagnostic laboratory.

3. Why is the Cystatin C Test sometimes preferred over creatinine?
This is less affected by muscle mass, age, and body composition than creatinine, making it a more reliable marker of kidney function in certain individuals. It is often used alongside creatinine to improve the accuracy of kidney disease diagnosis and GFR estimation.