GFR With Cystatin C, Serum -18 Years & Above
Understanding GFR With Cystatin C, Serum -18 Years & Above
What is GFR With Cystatin C, Serum -18 Years & Above?
The GFR With Cystatin C, Serum -18 Years & Above is a blood test tailored for individuals 18 years and above to see how well your kidneys are functioning. It measures the levels of cystatin C (a protein in blood) and creatinine (metabolic end product) and then estimates the glomerular filtration rate of the kidneys using the 2021 CKD-EPI (chronic kidney disease-epidemiological) creatinine-cystatin equation. It is a sensitive test that is not affected much by non-renal factors such as age, gender, muscle mass or diet.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a biomarker of kidney function which helps assess the ability of the kidneys to filter waste and excess fluids from the body. Conventional GFR estimation relies on serum creatinine levels, which has certain limitations particularly for individuals with advanced age or varying muscle size. On the other hand, Cystatin C, a protein expressed in all nucleated cells and due to its relatively constant rate of generation, it is considered as the reliable marker for assessing kidney function. This protein is freely filtered by the kidneys and not significantly affected by the factors like age, gender, muscle mass or diet, its serum levels provide a more accurate measurement of GFR.
The GFR With Cystatin C, Serum -18 Years & Above test helps in the early detection of kidney disease, monitoring disease progression and assessing kidney function in predisposed populations (e.g.,elderly, obese, or those with muscle-atrophy). It is recommended when a past kidney function test results show unclear results about your kidneys and your doctor wants to check again with the GFR With Cystatin C, Serum -18 Years & Above test to be sure. This test provides more accurate estimates in patients with differences in diet, extremes of muscle mass(such as body builders or patients with muscle wasting), in estimating change in eGFR over time in people with changing muscle mass or diet.
Cystatin C based GFR estimation is useful in various conditions, including Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) diagnosis and staging, Acute kidney disease (AKI) assessment, End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) evaluation, Diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome and Glomerulonephritis. Moreover, it helps in monitoring kidney function in individuals with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, liver disease etc.
No special preparation is required for this test. Inform your doctor about all the medications or supplements that you may be taking as well as your medical history as these factors could potentially affect the test results.
Lab test results may vary across laboratories. Interpretation of the test results requires expert guidance. Therefore, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor to understand your test results correctly. The insights from GFR With Cystatin C, Serum -18 Years & Above test helps doctors determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise,prescribe medication if required to manage your condition, and formulate your overall treatment plan.
Please note: This is an outsourced test. The sample for this test is collected by TATA 1MG and processed at a NABL accredited partnered lab.
What is GFR With Cystatin C, Serum -18 Years & Above used for?
The GFR With Cystatin C, Serum -18 Years & Above test is done to:
- Evaluate kidney function and identify any disorders affecting the kidneys.
- For the early detection of kidney disease
- Monitor individuals with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease.
- Assess treatment responses in individuals with kidney conditions.
- Determine drug dosages and monitor potential kidney toxicity that may be caused by certain medications.
- Establish baseline kidney function prior to surgeries or medical interventions.
What does GFR With Cystatin C, Serum -18 Years & Above measure?
Contains 3 testsThe GFR With Cystatin C, Serum -18 Years & Above test assesses two key parameters of kidney function: serum creatinine and cystatin C levels along with eGFR by Cystatin C. Serum creatinine reflects muscle metabolism and how well the kidneys are filtering waste, while cystatin C, is a low-molecular weight protein that is produced by body cells and excreted by the kidneys by glomerular filtration and provides an alternative measure of kidney filtration that is less affected by age, gender, muscle mass and diet. The resulting eGFR gives a more comprehensive picture of kidney health, helping to identify abnormalities in kidney function and guide appropriate clinical decisions.
By integrating the information from the GFR With Cystatin C, Serum -18 Years & Above, doctors can obtain a clearer understanding of an individual’s kidney function and the potential implications for their overall health.
Serum Creatinine
The Serum Creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscles’ wear and tear during energy production. The kidneys remove it from the body by filtering it from the blood and releasing it into the urine. Therefore, blood creatinine levels indicate how well the kidneys are functioning in filtering and removing waste products from the blood. Generally, higher creatinine levels in the blood may indicate reduced kidney function, while lower levels may suggest decreased muscle mass.
Know more about Serum Creatinine