Cystatin C Test with Egfr

Cystatin C is a protein produced by all cells in your body at a relatively constant rate and filtered by the kidneys into urine. Measuring urine cystatin C levels helps assess kidney filtration function. Unlike creatinine, cystatin C is less affected by muscle mass and certain medications, making it a valuable marker for detecting early kidney disease or monitoring kidney function changes. This test is often used alongside other kidney markers to provide a more complete picture of kidney health.

GFR measures how efficiently your kidneys filter waste from blood, expressed as milliliters of filtrate per minute. It's calculated using creatinine levels adjusted for age, sex, and body size. GFR is the most accurate indicator of kidney function, with different stages indicating mild, moderate, or severe kidney disease. Even small declines in GFR can signal progressive kidney disease requiring monitoring and lifestyle modifications to slow progression.