Blood
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
Also known as: eGFR-Creatinine, Estimated GFR, GFR
Reference ranges by source
Published adult intervals: 2, from 2 named sources, shown in mL/min/1.73m².
About Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test is a blood test that checks how well your kidneys are working. Your kidneys are two organs on either side of your spine near your waist. They have tiny filters called glomeruli. These filters remove waste and extra water from your blood and get rid of them through urine (pee).
If your kidneys have been damaged by kidney disease, they can't filter your blood as fast as they should. A GFR test checks for kidney disease by measuring how much blood your kidneys filter each minute.
GFR can be measured directly, but it is a complicated test to do. So health care providers usually estimate GFR based on the amount of certain waste substances in your blood. An estimated GFR is called an eGFR.
To figure out your eGFR, your provider usually uses the results of a blood test that measures your creatinine level. Creatinine is a waste product that comes from normal wear and tear on your muscles. If your kidneys aren't working well, creatinine can build up in your blood.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Useful for
Screen for kidney disease in people without symptoms
Help diagnose kidney disease in people who have symptoms
Help find out how serious kidney disease is
Monitor people who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) to see if treatment is helping
Monitor people who take medicines that could harm their kidneys
Check kidney health before people start certain treatments that could affect their kidneys
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Interpretation
Your eGFR results may be reported as a number that shows how much blood your kidneys filter per minute. Your test results may also give your creatinine level and/or your cystatin C level.
Ask your provider to explain what your eGFR says about your kidney health. An eGFR isn't a perfect test and may not always reflect kidney damage. It's also possible to have an abnormal result even if you don't have kidney damage.
If you're diagnosed with kidney disease, your provider will explain what you can do to protect your kidneys from more damage and help prevent kidney failure.
For general wellness information only. Talk to a clinician about your specific results.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
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Sources
Last updated 2026-05-02
This page presents source-specific reference data and sourced explanations. For general wellness information only. This is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment of any condition, talk to a qualified clinician.