Cystatin C

Cystatin C is a protein that's produced by cells in the body and used to evaluate kidney function.

Sample type:

Serum

Preparation:

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type:

In person or via trained mobile phlebotomist

Biomarkers

Cystatin C

Symptoms or conditions analyzed by this test

The Cystatin C test measures the level of cystatin C protein in the blood, helping assess kidney function. Here’s what it typically analyzes:

Kidney Function – Elevated cystatin C levels suggest reduced kidney function, often a more sensitive marker than creatinine, especially in early stages of kidney disease.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – Helps diagnose and monitor CKD by indicating gradual loss of kidney function.
Cardiovascular Risk – High cystatin C levels may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, as kidney health is linked to heart health.
GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) Estimation – Provides an estimate of GFR, which reflects how well the kidneys are filtering blood.

This test is valuable for people at risk of kidney issues or those with fluctuating kidney function, as it may detect problems earlier than traditional tests.

Question 1