Cystatin C urine test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Cystatin C is a small protein made at a steady rate by cells throughout the body. In the blood it is filtered freely by the kidneys and then almost entirely taken back up and broken down by the tubules. Because of this, very little appears in urine when the tubules are working well, and a raised urine level can indicate that the tubules are under strain or injured.

Urine cystatin C has been studied as an early marker of acute kidney injury and tubular damage, often alongside other urine markers such as KIM-1. It is different from blood cystatin C, which is used to estimate kidney filtration. It is a specialist test and is best interpreted with standard kidney checks such as eGFR, creatinine and a urine albumin to creatinine ratio.

The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You are already monitoring your kidneys and would like additional detail on tubular health.
• You take medicines that can affect the kidneys and are reviewing your kidney health with a practitioner.
• Your eGFR or urine albumin results have prompted further questions.
• You have been unwell recently with dehydration and want to look at kidney stress in more depth.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your urine cystatin C value with the laboratory reference range. A level within range suggests the tubules are reabsorbing the protein as expected. A raised level can be seen with tubular injury, but also with heavy protein in the urine from other causes, so it is read together with your other kidney markers and your health history.

This marker does not diagnose a kidney condition on its own. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion and, if needed, repeat testing and review with your GP or a kidney specialist. If you are passing very little urine, are confused or very unwell, seek urgent medical care through NHS 111 or A&E.

Preparing for your test

You can eat and drink as normal. A midstream urine sample is collected in a sterile pot, either at the clinic or as a fresh sample brought from home. Avoid very strenuous exercise for 24 hours beforehand, as it can temporarily change urine protein levels, and let us know if you have a urine infection or are on your period.

For a wider view of kidney health, our kidney function tests include eGFR and the urine albumin to creatinine ratio, and Omnia Signature includes urine cystatin C within a much broader check. Compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a urine cystatin C test in Chiswick?

The urine cystatin C test is £129 at Omnia Lifestyle. That includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the accredited laboratory, a practitioner review, and a GP feedback report on request.

Is urine cystatin C the same as the blood test?

No. Blood cystatin C helps estimate how well the kidneys filter, while urine cystatin C reflects how well the tubules reabsorb protein. They give different information.

Can it diagnose kidney disease?

No. It is a supporting marker. Kidney disease is assessed using eGFR, urine albumin, blood pressure and, where needed, specialist review.

Do I need to fast?

No fasting is required. A midstream sample, ideally not straight after heavy exercise, is all that is needed.