What Does eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Mean?
eGFR estimates how well your kidneys filter blood. Declining eGFR is the earliest sign of chronic kidney disease, often before any symptoms appear.
What eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Measures
eGFR is calculated from your creatinine, age, and sex. It estimates the milliliters of blood your kidneys filter per minute (per 1.73 m² of body surface). Higher is better. An eGFR below 60 for at least 3 months defines chronic kidney disease.
Normal Ranges
Normal≥ 90 mL/min/1.73m²
Mild reduction60–89
CKD stage 3 (moderate)30–59
CKD stage 4 (severe)15–29
Kidney failure< 15
Reference ranges may vary slightly by lab. Always use the range provided on your specific test report.
What Affects Your eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Level
- Type 2 diabetes (the leading cause of CKD)
- High blood pressure
- Aging (eGFR naturally declines with age)
- Chronic NSAID use
- Dehydration (can cause transient dips)
- Family history of kidney disease
- Repeated kidney infections or autoimmune disease