Glomerular Filtration Rate

GFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR, calculated glomerular filtration rate, cGFR 

This is a blood test that looks for changes in how your kidneys function. Your kidneys have tiny filters called glomeruli. The filters help remove waste from your blood. Your glomerular filtration rate is the rate at which your blood is filtered each minute. A glomerular filtration rate can be estimated with great accuracy, based on the result of other blood tests that measure serum creatinine and serum cystatin C. Other factors are used, such as your weight and age. This is called the estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR.

GFR may be a urine test, but this is done only in special situations.

You may need this test to see if your kidneys are working the way they should, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. GFR can detect kidney disease in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable. GFR can also help figure out if you have a condition that causes decreased blood flow to the kidneys, such as heart failure, shock, or severe fluid loss (dehydration).

Your healthcare provider is likely to order other tests that measure kidney function and waste products, such as:

• BUN, or blood urea nitrogen

• Urinalysis

• Urine albumin

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.

The normal range for GFR depends on your age, weight, and muscle mass. In most healthy people, the normal GFR is 90 or higher.

Here are typical ranges:

• A GFR above 60 is considered normal.

• A GFR below 60 may mean you have kidney disease.

• A GFR of 15 or below means your kidneys could be failing.

If your test results indicate you have early kidney disease, your healthcare provider may want to take steps to treat it aggressively.

The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. 

Having a blood test with a needle has some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.

Your test results may be affected if you:

• Have changing kidney function 

• Are severely malnourished, are underweight, or have muscle-wasting disease

• Are severely overweight

• Are a bodybuilder

• Have a neuromuscular disorder

• Are taking certain medicines, including chemotherapies and kidney medicines

• Eat a lot of meat

• Eat a vegetarian or low-meat diet

• Take creatine supplements

• Are pregnant

• Have health conditions that affect the kidneys

Usually, no special preparation is needed. Or you may need to make some changes to your diet. Check with your healthcare provider about your diet and taking any medicines on testing day. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.