Cystatin C, Serum Concentration
This test measures the level of cystatin C, a protein produced by all cells in the body that helps regulate cell growth and division. It’s often used to assess kidney function.
["Cystatin C helps evaluate kidney health and may be used alongside other tests to check for kidney damage or disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36016-4
- Short code
- CT Hip-Bl
- Synonyms
- CT Hip-Bl
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor kidney function, especially if you have risk factors for kidney disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney problems. It can also be used to track kidney health in people with chronic conditions or after certain treatments.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure cystatin C levels. No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or foods for a short time if instructed by your provider.
What Do Results Mean?
Higher than expected levels of cystatin C may indicate kidney problems, while lower levels might suggest conditions like malnutrition or certain medications affecting protein production. Your results will be compared to a reference range provided by your healthcare team to determine if further action is needed.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is often used alongside other kidney function tests (like creatinine) to get a more accurate picture of kidney health. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions such as chronic kidney disease, kidney transplant rejection, or certain genetic disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Cystatin C
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated cystatin C levels?
Can cystatin C levels change with diet?
Is cystatin C a better test for kidney function than creatinine?
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