Cystatin C (CysC)
Cystatin C is a 13-kDa non-glycosylated basic protein produced at a constant rate by all nucleated cells. It provides an accurate, muscle-mass-independent measurement of glomerular filtration rate.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference Rangesmg/L
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
0.62 - 1.15 mg/L
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
0.65 - 0.85 mg/L
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
As a cysteine protease inhibitor, Cystatin C is freely filtered by renal glomeruli, then completely reabsorbed and catabolized by proximal tubular epithelial cells without returning to systemic circulation.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (CysC High)
- •Early subclinical glomerular filtration impairment
- •Chronic kidney disease stage 1-5
- •Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism
- •High-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy
Low Levels (CysC Low)
- •Optimal renal parenchymal filtration capacity
- •Hypothyroidism (mild decrease in basal production)
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Maintain standard hydration status prior to venipuncture; acute hypovolemia or hemoconcentration artificially elevates concentrations. Avoid heavy resistance training and high-protein meals (especially cooked red meat) for 24 hours prior if testing serum creatinine. Ensure tourniquet time does not exceed 60 seconds to avoid pseudohyperkalemia or hemoconcentration of electrolyte fractions.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Simultaneous Serum Cystatin C testing to calculate composite CKD-EPI Creatinine-Cystatin C eGFR equation
- Spot Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) to detect subclinical glomerular endothelial leak
- Renal duplex ultrasonography to assess bilateral kidney dimensions, cortical echogenicity, and resistive index
- Fractional Excretion of Sodium (FENa) and Urea (FEUrea) to differentiate prerenal azotemia from intrinsic acute kidney injury
- Serum and urine protein electrophoresis (SPEP/UPEP) if tubular injury or monoclonal gammopathy is suspected
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (1)
- [1]Cystatin C versus Creatinine in Determining Risk Based on Kidney Function - New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 23984729
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Cystatin C (CysC) into overall healthspan optimization.