Cystatin C (CYSC)

Service Description

Biomarker: CYSC Sample: BLOOD Results: 2 HRS Phlebotomy fee: £10.00 CysC is a small protein that is produced by all nucleated cells in the body, and is freely filtered by the kidneys. The CysC test measures the level of cystatin C in the blood, and is used as a sensitive marker of kidney function to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Cystatin C levels can also be used to track the progression of kidney disease and to assess the response to treatment. Disorders associated with abnormalities in cystatin C levels or kidney function include: -- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Elevated levels of CysC in the blood can indicate reduced kidney function, particularly in the early stages of CKD when traditional markers like serum creatinine may still be within the normal range. -- Acute kidney injury (AKI): CysC levels may rise rapidly in response to acute kidney injury, reflecting the temporary loss of kidney function. -- Cardiovascular disease: Elevated CysC levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. -- Diabetes: CysC levels may be elevated in individuals with diabetes, even in the absence of kidney disease, and it has been linked to an increased risk of diabetic complications. Factors that can affect the level of CysC in the blood includes: -- Age: CysC levels tend to increase with age. -- Gender: Men typically have higher levels of CysC than women. -- Race: African Americans typically have lower levels of CysC than Caucasians. -- Kidney disease: Kidney disease can cause CysC levels to increase. -- Other conditions: Other conditions, such as muscle wasting and obesity, can also affect CysC levels.