Cystatin C
Private Cystatin C blood test in London for £129, measuring one kidney filtration marker with results expected in around 1–2 business days.
Turnaround time
1-2 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Cystatin C
The Cystatin C blood test measures Cystatin C, a small protein produced by nucleated cells and filtered from the bloodstream by the kidneys.
The test contains 1 biomarker: Cystatin-C.
Cystatin C is produced at a relatively constant rate and is freely filtered through the renal glomeruli.
Its concentration therefore rises when kidney filtration becomes less efficient.
Creatinine is the traditional blood marker used to estimate glomerular filtration rate, but Creatinine is influenced by muscle mass, diet and some supplements.
Cystatin C is less dependent on muscle mass, making it useful when Creatinine-based eGFR may be difficult to interpret.
It can be particularly informative in people with very low or high muscle mass, older adults, selected athletes and people whose Creatinine appears inconsistent with their clinical circumstances.
Cystatin C can also be used in equations to calculate a Cystatin-C-based or combined Creatinine/Cystatin-C eGFR.
The test is not completely independent of non-renal factors. Thyroid disease, inflammation, corticosteroid exposure and other factors can affect concentrations in some circumstances.
What Does the Cystatin C Test Check?
This test measures 1 biomarker.
Cystatin-C
Measures circulating Cystatin C, a filtration marker that rises as glomerular filtration decreases and can complement Creatinine-based kidney assessment.
Who May Benefit From the Cystatin C Test?
Cystatin C may be particularly helpful when a more refined assessment of kidney filtration is required.
People with borderline Creatinine or eGFR results - Cystatin C can provide an independent filtration marker.
People with unusually high muscle mass - Creatinine may be higher because of muscle mass rather than impaired kidney function.
People with very low muscle mass - Creatinine can underestimate kidney impairment when muscle production is low.
Older adults - Cystatin C can provide additional information where muscle mass has declined.
People with known chronic kidney disease - Serial filtration markers can support monitoring.
People taking medicines requiring accurate renal assessment - Kidney filtration affects the handling of many medicines.
People with diabetes or hypertension - Both increase chronic kidney disease risk.
People with a previous abnormal Cystatin C result - Repeat testing can assess the trend.
How to Prepare
Do not deliberately overhydrate before testing.
Kidney function should be evaluated using clinical context and trends rather than one manipulated measurement.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Cystatin C Test
Early kidney impairment is often asymptomatic.
No symptoms but an unexpectedly reduced eGFR - Cystatin C can help clarify the filtration estimate.
Swelling of the ankles or legs - Kidney disease is one of several possible causes.
Foamy urine - Persistent urinary protein should be assessed separately with urine Albumin testing.
High blood pressure with kidney-risk factors - Hypertension and kidney disease are closely linked.
A previous elevated Creatinine result - Cystatin C may provide additional filtration information.
Diabetes without symptoms - Kidney disease can develop silently.
Reduced kidney function during medication monitoring - More accurate filtration assessment can sometimes help treatment decisions.
Severe swelling, marked reduction in urine output, confusion or rapidly worsening kidney function requires urgent assessment.
Cystatin C is not intended to delay investigation of acute kidney injury.
How to Book Your Cystatin C Test
Booking your Cystatin C test is straightforward.
Choose the Cystatin C
Select the individual kidney filtration marker.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional mobile phlebotomy.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the venous blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your serum is analysed for Cystatin-C.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised kidney result is delivered securely.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current expected turnaround is approximately 1–2 business days after laboratory receipt.
Cystatin C is processed as a specialist renal biomarker but is currently available relatively quickly.
The report is released once laboratory analysis, quality control and authorisation are complete.
Occasional repeat analysis can extend the reporting period.
Understanding Your Results
A lower or normal Cystatin C result generally corresponds with preserved filtration.
A higher concentration can suggest reduced glomerular filtration.
The result can be used independently or incorporated into a validated eGFR equation.
No single Cystatin C value establishes chronic kidney disease by itself.
The clinical meaning depends on the trend, Creatinine, urine Albumin, age and wider kidney history.
Where Creatinine and Cystatin C disagree substantially, further clinical interpretation can help establish which estimate is most representative.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
Private Cystatin C testing in London - Access an advanced kidney filtration marker privately.
Less dependent on muscle mass than Creatinine - Useful when muscle mass complicates standard renal assessment.
Complements eGFR - Cystatin C can help refine kidney filtration estimates.
Relevant to early kidney assessment - Kidney impairment can remain asymptomatic.
Fast results - Expected turnaround is approximately 1–2 business days.
Clinic and home collection options - Professional phlebotomy can be arranged.
Secure reporting - Receive your authorised result securely.
Clear pricing - Cystatin C costs £129.
Private Cystatin C Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Cystatin C blood testing in London for people requiring a more detailed assessment of kidney filtration.
The test costs £129 and measures one biomarker: Cystatin-C.
Results are expected approximately 1–2 business days after laboratory receipt.