GFR estimated

Category:

estimated GFR (eGFR)

Description

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, eGFR

The eGFR is a calculated estimation of the glomerular filtration rate and is based on the serum creatinine level. Calculation also takes into account the age, gender, height, and weight, even sometimes the race.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure of the function of the kidneys. Glomeruli are small filters in your kidney that allow waste products to be removed from the blood. GFR indicates the amount of blood filtered per minute. Measuring GFR directly is difficult, so it is used an estimation (eGFR).
Compared to serum creatinine, eGFR detects more reliably the kidney disease in its early stages.  
Measured clearance rather than calculated (eGFR) is recommended for:
• Patients with known kidney damage 
• Patients very old
• Patients very young
• Patients with high overweight problems
• Patients with unusual dietary intakes such as vegetarians
• Patients taking drugs that can affect renal function.
The most commonly used equation for calculating the eGFR is called the MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study) equation. The simple version of this equation requires only the creatinine test result, your age and gender. It may be modified depending on your racial origin.

Purpose of the test

To evaluate kidney function when the doctor thinks that there may be kidney damage.

GFR is considered the most accurate way to detect changes in kidney status. When kidney damage is detected early, it may be possible to prevent worsening damage.
 

Reference range values

eGFR 90-120 mL/min/1.73 sq.m normal range.
eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 sq.m suggests moderate kidney problem.
eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 sq.m means severe kidney failure.

Abnormal findings

Low GFR values can be caused by any kidney disease and also high blood pressure and diabetes.