Cystatin C, Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Cystatin C, Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CysC, Serum Cystatin C, Cystatin C with eGFR |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 Day |
| Recommended For | All genders, adults, and children; especially useful for elderly individuals and those with diabetes, hypertension, or abnormal muscle mass |
| Price | Starting at ₹330 |
What is a Cystatin C, Serum Test?
The Cystatin C test measures the level of a small protein called cystatin C in the blood. This protein is produced by all nucleated cells in the body at a constant rate and is filtered out by the kidneys. Because its production is steady, its concentration in the blood is a reliable indicator of how well the kidneys are working.
Also known as CysC or Cystatin C with eGFR, this test is often requested when a doctor wants a more accurate picture of kidney function, particularly in patients where standard creatinine-based tests may not give reliable results. A small blood sample drawn from a vein is all that is needed.
What Does a Cystatin C, Serum Test Measure?
This test analyses two closely related values to assess kidney health. Here is what each one tells your doctor:
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Cystatin C | The concentration of cystatin C protein in the blood; higher levels suggest the kidneys are not filtering efficiently |
| eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) | Calculated from cystatin C levels, it reflects how much blood the kidneys filter per minute; a lower value points to reduced kidney function |
Why is a Cystatin C, Serum Test Done?
Doctors order this test to check kidney function and identify problems that other tests may not detect early enough. It is particularly useful for people whose creatinine levels may be misleading due to differences in age, body size, or diet.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt your doctor to order a Cystatin C, Serum test:
- Swollen ankles, feet, or hands
- Fatigue or unusual tiredness
- Changes in urine output (passing too little or too much)
- Foamy urine
- Persistently high blood pressure
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in urination patterns
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in identifying several kidney and related conditions:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Acute kidney injury (AKI)
- Early kidney dysfunction not detected by creatinine testing alone
- Reduced glomerular filtration rate
- Cardiovascular disease risk (cystatin C-based eGFR is a strong predictor of heart disease risk)
Cystatin C, Serum Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For people living with diabetes or high blood pressure, regular Cystatin C testing helps track changes in kidney function over time. It can indicate whether the kidneys are being affected by these conditions and guide treatment decisions accordingly. Doctors typically recommend testing every 3 to 6 months while optimising treatment, and every 6 to 12 months once the condition is stable.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. The process is quick and straightforward.
Do You Need to Fast?
No. Fasting is not required for the Cystatin C test. Unlike creatinine, cystatin C levels are not affected by recent meals, protein intake, or exercise, so you can eat and drink normally before the test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help ensure the sample is collected smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any existing medical conditions, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor or phlebotomist about all medications and supplements you are currently taking
- Stay normally hydrated before your appointment
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for easy access to your arm
- Try to schedule your test when you are clinically stable; a recent acute illness or dehydration can temporarily affect results
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood collection process is simple and takes only a few minutes:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean the area around your elbow with an antiseptic.
- An elastic band is placed around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- A needle is gently inserted into a vein to draw a small blood sample into a collection vial.
- You may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted; this passes quickly.
- The band is removed, the needle is withdrawn, and gentle pressure is applied with cotton or gauze.
- The sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence cystatin C levels and should be discussed with your doctor:
- Thyroid disorders (both overactive and underactive thyroid can alter levels)
- Obesity and chronic inflammation
- Use of corticosteroid medications
- Recent acute illness or infection
- Dehydration
Understanding Your Cystatin C, Serum Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed alongside your medical history and other test findings. The table below shows general reference ranges for adults.
| Parameter | Age Group | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cystatin C | 18 to 49 years | 0.63 to 1.03 | mg/L |
| Cystatin C | 50 years and above | 0.67 to 1.21 | mg/L |
| eGFR | All adults | Greater than 60 | mL/min/1.73 m² |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
A high cystatin C level may suggest declining kidney function, CKD, AKI, or conditions such as diabetes, chronic inflammation, obesity, or hyperthyroidism.
A low cystatin C level is generally not a cause for concern, though it has been associated with hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland).
Results During Special Conditions
Certain health conditions can affect cystatin C levels independently of kidney function:
Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid can raise cystatin C levels, which may falsely suggest reduced kidney function when the kidneys are actually working normally.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid tends to lower cystatin C levels, which may mask true kidney dysfunction.
Obesity and inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation linked to excess body fat and insulin resistance can elevate cystatin C levels even when kidney function is unaffected.
Pregnancy: Cystatin C levels are higher during pregnancy and rise progressively, reaching their peak in the third trimester. Doctors account for this when interpreting results in pregnant patients.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits support kidney health over the long term:
- Keep blood pressure and blood sugar within the ranges recommended by your doctor.
- Stay well-hydrated and follow a balanced diet that is low in sodium.
- Avoid unnecessary use of anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs), as overuse can be harmful to the kidneys.
Lupin Diagnostics Cystatin C, Serum Test Price and Home Collection
The Cystatin C test cost starts at ₹330 at Lupin Diagnostics, and home sample collection is available across multiple cities in India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1100 |
| CHENNAI | 1100 |
| HYDERABAD | 1100 |
| KOLKATA | 1100 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1100 |
| PUNE | 1100 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Cystatin C test online booking is simple:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Cystatin C test home collection is available across cities, so you can get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test is used to assess how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. It is often ordered as an alternative or supplement to creatinine testing when a more accurate estimate of kidney function is needed, particularly in people with chronic kidney disease or those at risk.
Cystatin C has an advantage over creatinine because its levels are not significantly influenced by muscle mass, sex, diet, or age. This makes the Cystatin C test especially useful for patients in whom creatinine measurements may not reflect true kidney function, such as elderly individuals, children, or those who are malnourished.
This test is particularly recommended for people with diabetes or high blood pressure, the elderly, those with very low or very high muscle mass, individuals with liver cirrhosis, and people who follow a strict vegetarian diet. These groups may get unreliable results from creatinine alone.
No special preparation is needed. Fasting is not required, and your normal meals, hydration, and daily routine will not affect the result. Do bring your clinical history and a list of current medications to your appointment.
Yes. Both an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can alter cystatin C levels independently of kidney function. Always inform your doctor about any thyroid condition so that results can be interpreted correctly.
For people with chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, testing is typically done every 3 to 6 months during active treatment adjustments, and every 6 to 12 months once stable. Your doctor will advise on the right frequency for your situation.
Yes. Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for this test. A trained phlebotomist visits your home at your preferred time, collects the blood sample, and dispatches it to an NABL-accredited laboratory. Your report is sent digitally once ready.
Cystatin C, Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
