Cystatin C

It is used to evaluate kidney function, especially in cases where other tests like Creatinine fail to provide proper diagnosis.

Cystatin C is a type of protein that is produced in all cells that have a nucleus. This protein is present in the blood and is filtered out of the body via the kidney. This protein is a more sensitive measurement of kidney function since the amount of cystatin C in the blood is not variable to age, sex or muscle mass like creatinine. Therefore, it is an alternative test to creatinine and creatinine clearance to assess kidney function and to help help in the diagnosis of specific kidney disease or diseases which eventually affect the kidneys, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Fatigue, lack of concentration, poor appetite, or trouble sleeping
• Swelling or edema
• Abnormal urine color
• A decrease in the amount of urine
• Burning or pain on urination
• Mid back pain
• High blood pressure