Serum Area Under the Curve (AUC) for a Renal Function Marker (e.g., Cystatin C)
This test measures how your body processes a protein linked to kidney function over time. It helps assess how well your kidneys clear waste products from your blood.
["Helps track kidney health and response to treatments over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 98636-4
- Short code
- SNAP area AUC R ulnar n
- Synonyms
- SNAP area AUC R ulnar n
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- nerve-conduction
- 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
What This Test Measures
The AUC test evaluates the cumulative effect of a specific protein (such as cystatin C) in your blood over a defined period. This protein is produced by nearly all cells in your body and is used as an indicator of kidney function. By measuring its concentration over time, doctors can better understand how efficiently your kidneys are filtering waste.
Why It’s Done
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect kidney disease, want to monitor kidney function over time, or evaluate how well a treatment is working for conditions affecting kidney clearance.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum (the liquid part after clotting) for analysis. The test may involve multiple samples taken at different intervals to calculate the AUC.
Common Uses
This test is often used alongside other kidney function tests (like creatinine levels) to provide a more detailed picture of how your kidneys are functioning, especially in chronic kidney disease or when evaluating kidney transplant patients.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
AUC for renal markers like cystatin C can provide additional insights beyond standard kidney function tests. It may help identify early signs of kidney dysfunction, monitor progression, or assess the impact of interventions such as medications or lifestyle changes. Higher AUC values may correlate with reduced kidney function, while lower values may suggest better clearance of waste products.
Short name
AUC for Renal Function Marker
Frequently asked questions
How is this test different from a standard kidney function test?
Will I need to prepare for this test?
How long does it take to get results?
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