Your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a key indicator of how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood, and is a standard measure for identifying chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD affects millions globally, but its symptoms often remain hidden until the disease progresses significantly. Early detection through eGFR testing allows for timely interventions that can protect kidney health, making it essential for those at risk of kidney disease.

What Is eGFR?

Using eGFR is a common method to estimate kidney function that involves determining the level of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product, the natural result of muscle tissue breakdown and the digestion of proteins.

Depending on your blood creatinine level, your healthcare provider can estimate how effectively the glomeruli (tiny filters in your kidneys) are removing  toxins and wastes. Specifically, the eGFR test measures just how much of your blood the glomeruli clean each minute, depending on your body size. 

Creatinine levels in the blood are affected by factors such as:

• Diet,  
• Muscle mass, and 
• Certain medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, UTI, etc.).

Despite the potential for variability, eGFR is a critical tool in detecting CKD early, allowing for proactive management to slow disease progression.

What eGFR Says About Your Stage of CKD

Your kidneys play a vital role in maintaining your body’s health by filtering waste products from the blood and removing excess water through urine. 

As kidney function declines, waste builds up in your blood, leading to various health complications. The five stages of CKD are determined by eGFR, with higher values indicating better kidney function.

• eGFR of 90 or higher: Normal kidney function (stage 1)
• eGFR of 60–89: Early-stage kidney disease (stage 2)
• eGFR of 30–59: Moderate kidney disease (stage 3)
• eGFR of 15–29: More advanced kidney disease (stage 4)
• eGFR below 15: Kidney failure (stage 5)

Your eGFR indicates your percentage of remaining kidney function. In later stages of CKD (4-5), you may experience symptoms such as:

• Fatigue  
• Swelling in your face and/or limbs  
• Muscle cramps
• Itchy skin 
• Foamy urine

In early stages (1-2), however, the disease is often silent, highlighting the importance of regular testing for at-risk individuals.

Early Detection of CKD Helps Protect Kidney Health

Early detection of CKD can significantly improve outcomes by enabling timely interventions. It’s a good idea for people with risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a family history of kidney disease to undergo regular eGFR testing. 

For those diagnosed with CKD, lifestyle changes, medications, and close, ongoing monitoring of kidney function can help manage the disease. In more advanced stages, additional treatments, including dialysis or kidney transplant, may become necessary. 

*National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.) Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/estimated-glomerular-filtration-rate-egfr 

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