Cystatin C in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is the cystatin C test?

It is a blood test that measures how well the kidneys filter. Unlike creatinine, cystatin C is barely affected by muscle mass, so it gives a more accurate estimate of kidney function in certain patients.

When is it ordered?

When creatinine may be misleading: older adults, very muscular people or those with very little muscle mass, amputees, people who are malnourished or on very high- or low-protein diets. It is also used to confirm chronic kidney disease or adjust medication doses.

How should you prepare?

It usually does not require fasting, but follow the lab's instructions, since it is often ordered with other tests that do. Let them know if you take corticosteroids or have thyroid problems, as these can affect the result.

Who interprets the result?

A general practitioner, internist or nephrologist, who combines it with creatinine to estimate the glomerular filtration rate.

Find where to get a cystatin C test

On MedicosDoc you can find clinical laboratories that perform the cystatin C test. Compare options and book your appointment.