Test ID CYSTC Cystatin C with Estimated GFR, Serum
Useful For
Cystatin C:
An index of glomerular filtration rate, especially in patients where serum creatinine may be misleading (eg, very obese, elderly, or malnourished patients)
Assessing renal function in patients suspected of having kidney disease
Monitoring treatment response in patients with kidney disease
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR):
An index of GFR, especially in patients where serum creatinine may be misleading (eg, very obese, elderly, or malnourished patients); for such patients, use of CKD-EPI cystatin C equation is recommended to estimate GFR
Assessing renal function in patients suspected of having kidney disease
Monitoring treatment response in patients with kidney disease
Method Name
Immunoturbidimetric
Reporting Name
Cystatin C with Estimated GFR, SSpecimen Type
SerumContainer/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/cardiovascular-request-form.pdf).
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
Ambient | 7 days | |
Frozen | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Cystatin C:
Cystatin C is a low molecular weight (13,250 kD) cysteine proteinase inhibitor that is produced by all nucleated cells and found in body fluids, including serum. Since it is formed at a constant rate and freely filtered by the kidneys, its serum concentration is inversely correlated with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR); that is, high values indicate low GFRs while lower values indicate higher GFRs, similar to creatinine.
The renal handling of cystatin C differs from creatinine. While both are freely filtered by glomeruli, once it is filtered, cystatin C, unlike creatinine, is reabsorbed and metabolized by proximal renal tubules. Thus, under normal conditions, cystatin C does not enter the final excreted urine to any significant degree.
The serum concentration of cystatin C remains unchanged with infections, inflammatory or neoplastic states, and is not affected by body mass, diet, or drugs. Thus, cystatin C may be a more reliable marker of renal function (GFR) than creatinine.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR):
GFR can be estimated (eGFR) from serum cystatin C utilizing an equation which includes the age and gender of the patient. The CKD-EPI cystatin C equation was developed by Inker et al:(1) and demonstrated good correlation with measured iothalamate clearance in patients with all common causes of kidney disease, including kidney transplant recipients. Cystatin C eGFR may have advantages over creatinine eGFR in certain patient groups in whom muscle mass is abnormally high or low (for example quadriplegics, very elderly, or malnourished individuals). Blood levels of cystatin C also equilibrate more quickly than creatinine, and therefore, serum cystatin C may be more accurate than serum creatinine when kidney function is rapidly changing (for example amongst hospitalized individuals).
Reference Values
CYSTATIN C
Males:
0 days-22 years: no reference values established
23-29 years: 0.60-1.03 mg/L
30-39 years: 0.64-1.12 mg/L
40-49 years: 0.68-1.22 mg/L
50-59 years: 0.72-1.32 mg/L
60-69 years: 0.77-1.42 mg/L
70-79 years: 0.82-1.52 mg/L
>79 years: no reference values established
Females:
0 days-22 years: no reference values established
23-29 years: 0.57-0.90 mg/L
30-39 years: 0.59-0.98 mg/L
40-49 years: 0.62-1.07 mg/L
50-59 years: 0.64-1.17 mg/L
60-69 years: 0.66-1.26 mg/L
70-80 years: 0.68-1.36 mg/L
81-86 years: 0.70-1.45 mg/L
>86 years: no reference values established
eGFR
>60 mL/min/BSA
eGFR will not be calculated for patients under 18 years.
Cautions
Cystatin C:
Lipemic or frozen specimens, which become turbid after thawing, may interfere with the assay.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR):
eGFR is not a precise measure of GFR and can be influenced by nonrenal factors (eg, inflammation).
Day(s) Performed
24 hours per day, 7 days per week
Report Available
1 dayPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82610