Cystatin C
Cystatin C is a small protein that the body's cells make. Age, muscle mass and diet may affect creatinine levels, but they do not affect cystatin C levels in the way they affect creatinine.
Why it matters: Estimated glomerular filtration rate is a calculation of how well the kidneys work, based on a blood test that measures creatinine or cystatin C. Providers sometimes measure cystatin C in the blood when creatinine results are not conclusive, and in older adults or people with a lot of muscle mass, cystatin C may more accurately indicate kidney function than creatinine does.
Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters
What is Cystatin C?
Cystatin C is a small protein that the body's cells make. Age, muscle mass and diet may affect creatinine levels, but they do not affect cystatin C levels in the way they affect creatinine.
What might a high or low Cystatin C mean?
Estimated glomerular filtration rate is a calculation of how well the kidneys work, based on a blood test that measures creatinine or cystatin C. Providers sometimes measure cystatin C in the blood when creatinine results are not conclusive, and in older adults or people with a lot of muscle mass, cystatin C may more accurately indicate kidney function than creatinine does.
What is the typical reference range for Cystatin C?
The general-population reference range shown here is 0.51 – 0.98 mg/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.
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