Cardiovascular Disease - Bloody Good
Kidney Health

Cystatin C

The Cystatin C test measures a protein in your blood that reflects how well your kidneys are filtering waste. It may help detect early kidney problems, sometimes before changes show in standard creatinine tests, and may also be linked to heart health risk.

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Cystatin C

Want the most accurate assessment of kidney function, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or monitoring kidney health in high-risk situations?

Overview

Think of Cystatin C as your kidneys' honest report card. While traditional kidney tests can be thrown off by things like your muscle mass, age, or what you ate for dinner, Cystatin C tells the straight truth about how well your kidneys are actually working. This small protein acts like a reliable messenger that's produced steadily by all your cells and filtered exclusively by your kidneys – kind of like having a consistent flow of tennis balls that only your kidneys can catch and process.

What makes this test special is that it can spot kidney problems much earlier than standard tests, giving you a valuable head start on protecting your kidney health. If your Cystatin C levels are elevated, it means your kidneys aren't filtering as efficiently as they should be, which could signal the early stages of kidney disease or other kidney-related issues. This test is particularly helpful if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that put your kidneys at risk, and it's especially accurate for older adults, children, or anyone whose muscle mass might make other kidney tests less reliable.

Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
High blood pressure readings Feeling tired all the time Flank pain or back pain related to kidneys Swelling around eyes or face

Purpose

Essential for individuals with kidney disease risk factors, need precise kidney function evaluation, or anyone requiring accurate renal health assessment independent of muscle mass.

How to prepare

No special preparation required. Inform healthcare provider of all medications and medical conditions that might affect kidney function or cystatin C levels.

Understanding results

Results show cystatin C levels and calculated GFR. Elevated levels indicate reduced kidney function requiring further evaluation, monitoring, and appropriate interventions to preserve kidney health.

After the test

Address elevated cystatin C through comprehensive kidney evaluation, blood pressure and diabetes management, nephrology consultation, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring. Protect remaining kidney function.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Cystatin C is less affected by muscle mass, age, gender, and diet, providing more accurate kidney function assessment, especially in elderly, children, and those with unusual muscle mass.
  • Elevated cystatin C indicates reduced kidney function (lower GFR), suggesting kidney disease that requires further evaluation and management to prevent progression.
  • Yes, cystatin C can detect declining kidney function earlier than creatinine, allowing for earlier intervention and better preservation of kidney health.
  • Cystatin C is primarily affected by kidney function, though thyroid disorders and certain medications may have minor effects, making it more reliable than creatinine.
  • Cystatin C-based GFR estimates help determine appropriate doses for medications eliminated by the kidneys, reducing risk of toxicity or treatment failure.
  • People with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, family history of kidney disease, elderly individuals, or those where accurate kidney function assessment is crucial.
Cystatin C

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What to expect

We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.

1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

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3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.

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