What do gfr numbers mean

Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Accurate estimates of the GFR are important for identifying kidney disease, which often has no symptoms until just before the kidneys fail.

The standard way to estimate GFR is with a simple blood test that measures your creatinine levels. Creatinine is a waste product from the digestion of dietary protein and the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. Aside from CKD, creatinine levels can be affected by other factors, including diet, muscle mass, malnutrition, and other chronic illnesses.

CKD risk factors include:. Later stage CKD does cause symptoms. So you may need an eGFR test if you have any of the following symptoms:. There is very little risk to having a blood test. If your doctor is using eGFR to help diagnose kidney disease or determine your stage, you may also need additional tests to confirm.

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease. Knowing your glomerular filtration rate GFR will help you understand how well your kidneys are functioning. There are specific steps you can take at every stage of CKD to help manage your health and feel your best.

What is GFR? Glomerular filtration rate is a measurement of how well your kidneys are working to clean your blood. Just as your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are important factors in knowing your risk for heart disease, your GFR is important in knowing your risk for CKD.

What is estimated GFR? Use our GFR calculator. To calculate your eGFR, enter all fields below. Gender: Gender: Male Female. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Krishnan A, Levin A. Laboratory assessment of kidney disease: glomerular filtration rate, urinalysis, and proteinuria. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Landry DW, Bazari H.

Approach to the patient with renal disease. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Updated by: David C. Editorial team. Glomerular filtration rate. How the Test is Performed. A blood sample is needed.