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?
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.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
4k+ Collection Centres
Personalised Dashboard
Early Detection
Private health tests
How does it work?
Bloody Good is a single portal for ordering, tracking, and reviewing on-demand health testing. Get started with three simple steps:
1
Book your test
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect your samples
Have your sample collected at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres.
3
View your results
View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.
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
You may benefit from the Cystatin C Blood Test
Essential for individuals with kidney disease risk factors, need precise kidney function evaluation, or anyone requiring accurate renal health assessment independent of muscle mass.
High blood pressure readings
Feeling tired all the time
Flank pain or back pain related to kidneys
Swelling around eyes or face
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.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out
Bloody Good is a single portal for ordering, tracking, and reviewing on-demand health testing.
365 Health Check
Spot subtle changes before they become big problems. Our comprehensive health check scans for potential risks across every major body system, giving you the chance to take action early when interventions are most effective.
We have over 200 private on-demand biomarker tests available. From testosterone to vitamin D, you can order the tests you need and take control of your health.
Having seen the GP regularly, I thought I had everything covered. I had no idea I had Type II diabetes as I was symptomless. Now I can manage it before it gets really bad. I never would have caught it this early if I hadn't used Bloody Good.
- One Life Club Member, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our products and services.
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
Search On-Demand Tests
We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Our on-demand health testing lets you take control of your health
