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MyMedichecks is your personal online dashboard where you can view your results, access clear and simple explanations about individual health markers, monitor changes in your health, and securely store information about your medical history, lifestyle and vital statistics.
Cystatin C
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A protein filtered from your blood by the kidneys. Measuring it can help estimate how well your kidneys are working, especially when creatinine may be affected by muscle mass or creatine use.
eGFRcys
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An estimate of kidney function calculated from your cystatin C level. It shows how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood without relying on creatinine.
Prepare for your Cystatin C Test by following these instructions.
Sample collection and timing
Medications and supplements
This test does not diagnose or rule out chronic kidney disease on its own. Like any eGFR result, eGFRcys is an estimate rather than a direct measurement of kidney function, and factors including thyroid conditions, inflammation and corticosteroid medicines can affect it.
A low, borderline or unexpected result should be reviewed by a healthcare professional and may require repeat blood testing, a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio test or further investigation. Tell the clinician reviewing your result about your creatine use, recent intense exercise, steroid use, other medicines and existing health conditions. Don’t stop taking prescribed medicines unless advised by your clinician.
Cystatin C is often more accurate than creatinine, especially if you take creatine supplements or have a high muscle mass. Its accuracy can be affected by factors like thyroid conditions, inflammation, body composition, and steroid use.
Combining cystatin C with creatinine usually gives a more precise estimate of kidney function than either marker alone.
Yes, an untreated underactive thyroid can sometimes lower cystatin C, making your eGFR or kidney function appear more reassuring than it is.
Some steroid medicines, like prednisolone, can increase cystatin C and reduce your eGFR result without a true decline in kidney function.
There’s no need to stop these medications before your test but make sure you mention any thyroid conditions or medications in the additional information.
