Cystatin-C: what your result means.

A kidney function marker more accurate than creatinine, especially in early decline. Cystatin-C is measured by blood test as part of the Organ panel in the HodieLabs Health Blueprint.

Why Cystatin-C matters

Less influenced by muscle mass than creatinine. Useful for detecting early kidney dysfunction.

Associated risks when out of range: Early kidney dysfunction. Cardiovascular mortality risk. Biological aging signal.

What the clinical evidence shows

The evidence base behind how the HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library interprets Cystatin-C, from randomised trials, prospective cohorts and genetic (Mendelian randomisation) studies. Full citations in the reference list below.

• Cardiovascular Health Study (Shlipak et al. NEJM 2005): in elderly adults, cystatin C predicted death and cardiovascular events better than creatinine, detecting the 'preclinical' kidney dysfunction creatinine misses because it is independent of muscle mass.
• KDIGO guidance (2024): cystatin C-based eGFR is recommended to confirm kidney function when creatinine may mislead, in very muscular, elderly or low-muscle-mass individuals.

Evidence-based reference ranges

The HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library interprets Cystatin-C against published clinical authority standards, never arbitrary "optimal" ranges. Measured in mg/L:

Band	Range (mg/L)
Optimal	<0.90 mg/L
Borderline	0.90–1.10 mg/L
High	>1.10 mg/L

Clinical interpretation

• Less influenced by muscle mass than creatinine.
• Useful for detecting early kidney dysfunction.
• Can be used to calculate cystatin-C based eGFR.
• KDIGO supports creatinine-based eGFR as initial assessment and recognises improved accuracy when cystatin C is added (eGFR-cr-cys).

What improves it: the evidence-based levers

• Blood pressure optimisation
• Glycaemic control
• Kidney health monitoring
• Clinical review if persistently elevated

Recommended testing frequency: Annual, as part of a comprehensive panel. Single markers are always interpreted in context.

How Cystatin-C testing works at HodieLabs

Cystatin-C is measured in every Health Blueprint at our Melbourne Preventative Health & Longevity Clinic, interpreted by a doctor against the guideline-cited ranges above and tracked over time through your HodieLabs membership.

References

1. Shlipak MG, et al. Cystatin C and the risk of death and cardiovascular events among elderly persons. N Engl J Med. 2005;352:2049–2060.
2. KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney Int. 2024;105(4S):S117–S314.

This page is general information from the HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library, not medical advice. Speak with your GP about what testing and care is appropriate for you.