Diluted ileal fluid cystatin C concentration (24-hour collection)
This test measures the amount of cystatin C, a protein that helps regulate cell activity, in your digestive tract over a 24-hour period. It’s used to assess how well your digestive system is absorbing nutrients.
["This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions affecting digestion, such as celiac disease or short bowel syndrome."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 89627-4
- Short code
- CT Guided Ileum-R Cyst asp
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Ileum-R Cyst asp
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like chronic diarrhea, weight loss, or nutrient deficiencies, which could indicate malabsorption issues. It may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for digestive disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect a 24-hour sample of your ileal fluid (from the lower part of your small intestine). This involves inserting a small tube through your nose or mouth into your stomach, then guiding it into the intestine. The fluid is collected over 24 hours and sent to the lab for testing.
What the Results Mean
Cystatin C levels in your ileal fluid can help identify whether nutrients are being absorbed properly. Abnormal results may suggest conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive disorders that affect nutrient absorption.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is particularly useful for diagnosing or monitoring celiac disease, short bowel syndrome, or other conditions causing malabsorption. It can also help assess how well treatments are working.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated cystatin C in ileal fluid may indicate poor nutrient absorption, prompting further testing or treatment adjustments. Low levels could suggest overabsorption or other underlying issues. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Short name
24-Hour Ileal Cystatin C
Frequently asked questions
What does a cystatin C test in ileal fluid measure?
How is the ileal fluid collected for this test?
Can I eat or drink normally before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy