Kidney health maintenance is essential for overall wellness. The kidneys are vital organs that filter waste and extra fluid from the blood, control blood pressure and create hormones needed for many body processes. Thus, monitoring kidney function is crucial to maintaining and avoiding renal illnesses. The Cystatin C test is a valuable marker for evaluating kidney health.
Serum Cystatin C Private Blood Test: What Is It?
- This test quantifies the level of a protein in your blood called cystatin C.
- Your body is constantly producing cystatin C, a protein that can be detected in various bodily fluids such as breast milk, spinal fluid, and blood.
- Cystatin C is removed from the circulation by functioning kidneys, allowing the excretion of the substance in your urine.
- This private blood test is reasonably sensitive for assessing kidney health.
- You can determine your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with Cystatin C.
- This can help your doctor determine whether something is wrong with your kidneys and how well they function.
- If you are experiencing renal issues, you can also use it to monitor the course of your illness.
Why Get Cystatin C Tested?
- Identifies renal problems early on.
- Monitors the development of diseases.
- Directs decisions about medical care.
- Promotes results and stops further damage.
When To Get Cystatin C Test Uk?
If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, two risk factors for kidney disease, you should get a cystatin C test. Furthermore, getting checked is advised for symptoms like weariness, swollen hands and feet, or frequent urination.
If you are taking any medications that affect kidney function, your doctor may also recommend a cystatin C test. If you are being treated for kidney disease or already have it, you may need to get a cystatin C test regularly.
Comprehending Cystatin Blood Test Results
- Age, gender, medical history, and lab usage may affect test findings.
- An abnormally high cystatin C concentration may indicate a kidney disorder like chronic renal disease.
- Diabetes, cancer, HIV, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism can also result in higher amounts.
Guidelines For Testing Cystatin C Levels
- Most individuals should get screened annually to ensure the longevity and health of their kidneys.
- For at-risk populations (diabetes, hypertension, and family history of renal disease), six to twelve months.
- Regular testing enables proactive therapy and management, tighter monitoring, and a slower rate of kidney disease progression.
Athlete Blood Test Study On Renal Function:
- Following and during exercise, renal impairment is frequently observed.
- GFR equations, urine parameters, and serum creatinine are used to assess renal function.
- Damage to skeletal muscles may skew creatinine values.
- GFR formulas for body weight, gender, and age are insufficient for ordinary people.
- A study on male recreational runners reveals increased levels of creatinine and serum cystatin C following a marathon.
- There was a twice as low mean increase in cystatin C as in creatinine, indicating less bias from muscle damage.
- Future studies are required to ascertain whether training reduces the increase of kidney signs.
