“Growing Shift Toward More Accurate Renal Biomarkers”
- A significant and accelerating trend in the global cystatin C assay market is the transition toward more precise and reliable biomarkers for kidney function, particularly in populations where creatinine-based tests are less accurate, such as the elderly, children, and individuals with low muscle mass
- For instance, healthcare systems across the U.S., U.K., and parts of Europe are incorporating cystatin C into estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations to improve diagnostic accuracy. The CKD-EPI 2021 guideline recommends cystatin C as a preferred alternative or supplement to creatinine for assessing kidney function
- Cystatin C assays are being increasingly adopted in clinical settings due to their ability to detect early-stage renal dysfunction before creatinine levels become elevated. This makes them especially valuable for high-risk patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or post-transplant needs
- Automation of cystatin C testing platforms, such as those using immunoturbidimetric and ELISA technologies, is streamlining lab operations and improving turnaround times. For example, companies such as BioVendor and Gentian offer automated cystatin C assay kits compatible with major analyzers, increasing operational efficiency in diagnostic labs
- The rising demand for personalized medicine and risk stratification tools in nephrology is also fueling market interest in cystatin C as a marker for long-term cardiovascular and renal outcomes
- As clinicians increasingly seek biomarkers that improve diagnostic precision and risk prediction, cystatin C assays are expected to gain broader adoption, especially with supportive clinical guidelines and reimbursement policies taking hold across more countries
