About Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a calculated value that provides an estimate of kidney function. It measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood, expressed in milliliters per minute per 1.73 square meters of body surface area. eGFR is derived from serum creatinine levels and takes into account age, sex, and sometimes race.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
≥ 100 mL/min/1.73m²
Elite Value
120 mL/min/1.73m²
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate poor kidney filtering function, possibly due to dehydration or early stage kidney disease.
Low
Low levels may be associated with severe kidney damage, increasing the risk of toxic waste buildup in the blood.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, headaches, and swelling due to fluid retention, frothy urine, or nighttime urination.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, loss of appetite, itching, or swelling in the feet or ankles.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- vey, A. S., & Inker, L. A. (2020). GFR as the "Gold Standard": Estimated, Measured, and True. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 75(6), 849-854.
- ker, L. A., Eneanya, N. D., Coresh, J., Tighiouart, H., Wang, D., Sang, Y., ... & Levey, A. S. (2021). New Creatinine- and Cystatin C–Based Equations to Estimate GFR without Race. New England Journal of Medicine, 385(19), 1737-1749.
- tional Kidney Foundation. (2021). 2021 Update on the KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney International Supplements, 11(1), 1-115.
- vey, A. S., & Inker, L. A. (2019). Assessment of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Health and Disease: A State of the Art Review. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 14(4), 555-562.
- lanaye, P., Melsom, T., & Ebert, N. (2020). Iohexol Plasma Clearance for Measuring Glomerular Filtration Rate in Clinical Practice and Research: A Review. Part 1: How to Measure Glomerular Filtration Rate with Iohexol? Clinical Kidney Journal, 13(5), 728-742.