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?
Identifies anything urgent
Tracks changes over time
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.
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How does it work?
Bloody Good helps you measure your baseline health, identify urgent issues, and track changes over time
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, or at-home test kits.
3
View your results
View your private lab results on your secure dashboard. Easily share with your health professional.
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
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
Address elevated cystatin C through comprehensive kidney evaluation, blood pressure and diabetes management, nephrology consultation, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring. Protect remaining kidney function.
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.
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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)
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