CYSTATIN-C *

In a day, kidneys do many important jobs. They process wastes from the blood, regulate fluids in the body, control blood pressure, and keep all the minerals in the body at the right level. Since kidney failure crushes a person slowly without causing obvious symptoms, it is important to detect it early to avoid serious problems in the future.

The Cystatin C Test is a developed blood test that measures kidney function. The test is considered to be much better than the traditional creatinine test since the results of the Cystatin reflect an individual's kidney function much more accurately, as this test is not influenced by aspects such as age, gender, diet, and physical activity.

At City Imaging, we provide laboratory testing of a great quality using advanced methods of diagnostics, and thanks to such advanced methods, the results of our tests can be based on the most accurate information. The price of Cystatin C Test ranges from INR 900 to INR 2000.

What is the Cystatin C Test?

The Cystatin C test refers to a blood examination used to determine the quantity of Cystatin C, a protein synthesised in almost all human cells. Cystatin C enters the blood constantly but is subsequently eliminated by healthy kidneys. Because most of the Cystatin C produced by the body is filtered out by the kidneys, its concentration in blood will be high when renal activity deteriorates.

Medical practitioners regularly use the cystatin C test for the following:

• Assess kidney function
• Detect early kidney disease
• Estimate Glomerular Filtration Rate
• Monitor chronic kidney disease
• Confirm abnormal creatinine test results
• Evaluate kidney function before certain medical procedures

Why is the Cystatin-C Test important?

At the initial stage of the disease, a lot of people suffering from kidney issues don’t have any symptoms. Conventional tests evaluate the kidney function of patients based on levels of serum creatinine and they may appear normal when there has already been serious harm to the kidneys.

The Cystatin C Test is effective because it shows early signs of minor kidney function.

This test is very helpful, particularly when:

• Early detection of chronic kidney disease
• Monitoring kidney disease progression
• Evaluating kidney transplant patients
• Assessing diabetic kidney disease
• Monitoring hypertension-related kidney damage
• Confirming eGFR accuracy
• Evaluating elderly individuals
• Assessing kidney function in children

Who should get a Cystatin C Test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have risk factors for kidney disease.

These include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Family history of kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic urinary infections
• Older age
• Long-term use of certain medications
• Previous abnormal kidney function tests

What are the symptoms that may require Kidney Function Testing?

Although early kidney disease often has no symptoms, some warning signs include:

• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Puffy eyes
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Frequent urination
• Reduced urine output
• Foamy urine
• Blood in urine
• High blood pressure
• Persistent nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty concentrating

How does the Cystatin-C Test work?

The test measures the amount of Cystatin C circulating in your blood.

Healthy kidneys continuously remove this protein.

When kidney filtration slows down:

• Less Cystatin C is filtered
• Blood levels increase
• Higher levels indicate reduced kidney function

What is the test procedure of Cystatin-C Test?

The Cystatin C Test is simple and quick.

Step 1: Registration

You arrive at City Imaging and complete your registration.

Step 2: Blood Sample Collection

A trained phlebotomist collects a small blood sample from a vein in your arm.

Step 3: Laboratory Analysis

The blood sample is processed using advanced laboratory equipment.

Step 4: Report Generation

The results are reviewed and shared with your physician for interpretation.

Do you need any preparation?

In most cases, no fasting is required.

However, always follow your doctor's instructions because additional kidney tests may require fasting or other preparations.

Inform your doctor about:

• Current medications
• Recent illness
• Pregnancy
• Chronic medical conditions
• Kidney disease history

How to understand the results?

Your doctor interprets the results along with:

• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Serum creatinine
• eGFR
• Urine tests
• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar levels

Generally:

• Lower Cystatin C Levels
• Usually indicates normal kidney filtration.
• Higher Cystatin C Levels

May suggest:

• Reduced kidney function
• Chronic kidney disease
• Acute kidney injury
• Kidney inflammation
• Reduced filtration capacity

What are the advantages of the Cystatin C Test?

Compared to traditional kidney tests, Cystatin C offers several benefits.

Earlier Detection

It can identify kidney dysfunction before creatinine levels become abnormal.

Greater Accuracy

It is less affected by:

• Muscle mass
• Age
• Gender
• Body size
• Diet

Better eGFR Estimation

Many clinical guidelines recommend combining creatinine and Cystatin C for more accurate kidney function estimation.

Useful in Special Populations

Ideal for:

• Elderly patients
• Children
• Athletes
• Malnourished individuals
• People with muscle disorders

What are the conditions where Cystatin C Testing is helpful?

Doctors commonly use this test in patients with:

• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Acute Kidney Injury
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Kidney transplant
• Lupus
• Heart failure
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Glomerulonephritis
• Proteinuria

What is the difference between Cystatin C and Creatinine Test?

What are the factors that may affect results?

Although Cystatin C is considered highly reliable, certain conditions may influence the levels, including:

• Thyroid disorders
• Severe infections
• Corticosteroid therapy
• Inflammation
• Smoking
• Certain chronic illnesses

Why choose City Imaging for the Cystatin C Test?

When you choose us, you benefit from:

• Experienced laboratory professionals
• Modern diagnostic technology
• Accurate and dependable reports
• Strict quality control standards
• Quick turnaround time
• Hygienic sample collection
• Affordable pricing
• Patient-friendly service
• Comprehensive diagnostic support

Which Cystatin C test centre is near me?

City Imaging, located in your area, is dedicated to providing quality services in all parts of our city and surrounding areas. With a patient-focused atmosphere and expert radiology technicians, they have both speed and accuracy when it comes to getting your results back.

What is the price of Cystatin C in Delhi?

The cost may vary depending on:

• Location of the lab
• Type of technology
• Diagnostic complexity

At City Imaging, we focus on providing affordable and transparent pricing with high-quality diagnostic services. The price of Cystatin C ranges from INR 900 to INR 2000.

How to book a Cystatin C test online at City Imaging?

Patients can book the Cystatin C test online at City Imaging by visiting the website and booking an appointment online. Patients can also dial numbers and they will guide you for booking a test. City Imaging also provides a home sample collection feature through which professionals take samples of patients from their home and they don’t have to visit diagnostic centres.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Cystatin C Test superior to the creatinine test?

In several scenarios, yes. It can detect signs of kidney problems sooner and better, as it is largely unaffected by the amount of muscle and other characteristics of the person being tested.

Is fasting necessary before the Cystatin C Test?

As a rule, one does not need to be fasting. However, if additional tests need to be performed, follow the instructions given by your doctor.

How long does the blood collection process take?

Blood collection takes less than ten minutes at most, but the time of laboratory processing may depend upon the laboratory.

What is the other name of the Cystatin C Test?

It is also known as the Cystatin-C Test.

Is the Cystatin C Test a safe method?

Yes, this test is a routine blood test that poses little risk of pain, bruises, etc.