eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
Measure of kidney function
20 of 22 providers
Kidney Function
>60 mL/min/1.73m², Normal:>90 mL/min/1.73m²
What is eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)?
eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) is the best overall measure of kidney function, estimating how much blood your kidneys filter per minute. GFR represents the volume of plasma your glomeruli (kidney filtering units) can clear of creatinine in one minute, adjusted for body surface area. Normal healthy kidneys filter about 90-120 mL of blood per minute per 1.73 m² of body surface area.
eGFR is calculated using serum creatinine, age, sex, and race through equations like CKD-EPI (most accurate) or MDRD. The calculation accounts for the fact that creatinine levels vary with muscle mass, age, and sex. eGFR is more accurate than creatinine alone for assessing kidney function because it normalizes for these variables. However, it can be inaccurate in extremes of muscle mass, rapidly changing kidney function, or certain ethnicities.
eGFR is used to stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) from Stage 1 (>90, normal or high) through Stage 5 (<15, kidney failure requiring dialysis). It guides treatment decisions, medication dosing, and timing of dialysis or transplant. Declining eGFR over time indicates progressive kidney disease, while stable eGFR suggests well-controlled kidney function or non-progressive disease.
Why eGFR Is the Gold Standard for Kidney Function
- Most accurate assessment:More accurate than creatinine alone by accounting for age, sex, and muscle mass
- CKD staging:Defines chronic kidney disease stages from 1-5, guiding treatment intensity and specialist referral
- Early detection:Can detect moderate kidney disease (eGFR 60-89) that may not be apparent from creatinine alone
- Medication dosing:Many drugs require dose adjustment based on eGFR to prevent toxicity from reduced clearance
- Prognosis:Lower eGFR predicts higher risk of cardiovascular events, mortality, and progression to dialysis
- Dialysis timing:eGFR <15 mL/min (Stage 5) indicates need to plan for dialysis or transplant
- Monitoring progression:Serial eGFR measurements track kidney function trajectory—rapid decline requires urgent intervention
Optimal vs Standard Ranges
Normal Kidney Function>90 mL/min/1.73m²▼
- Normal kidney function (CKD Stage 1 if kidney damage present, or normal if no damage markers)
- Kidneys filtering efficiently
- However, some decline with age is normal—healthy 70-year-olds may have eGFR 60-80 without disease
- If >90 with proteinuria or structural abnormalities, still classified as CKD Stage 1 requiring monitoring
Mild Reduction (Stage 2 CKD)60-89 mL/min/1.73m²▼
- Mild kidney dysfunction (CKD Stage 2)
- May be normal aging in elderly without other kidney damage
- If under age 60 or accompanied by proteinuria, hypertension, or diabetes, indicates early CKD requiring treatment to prevent progression
- Check urinalysis for protein/blood
- Optimize blood pressure, glycemic control
- Monitor every 6-12 months
- Address cardiovascular risk factors aggressively
Moderate Reduction (Stage 3 CKD)30-59 mL/min/1.73m²▼
- Moderate kidney disease (Stage 3A if 45-59, Stage 3B if 30-44)
- Requires nephrology evaluation and active management
- Start ACE inhibitor or ARB if proteinuria present
- SGLT2 inhibitor if diabetic or high proteinuria
- Adjust medication doses
- Screen for anemia, bone disease, metabolic acidosis
- Monitor every 3-6 months
- Cardiovascular risk is significantly elevated—aggressive CV risk reduction essential
- eGFR 30-45 (Stage 3B) requires preparation for potential dialysis/transplant
Severe Reduction (Stage 4-5 CKD)<30 mL/min/1.73m²▼
- Advanced kidney disease
- Stage 4 (eGFR 15-29):Severe CKD requiring urgent nephrology care, dialysis access planning, transplant evaluation
- Manage complications (anemia, bone disease, acidosis, hyperkalemia)
- Protein restriction 0.6-0.8 g/kg
- Monitor monthly
- Stage 5 (eGFR <15):Kidney failure
- Initiate dialysis when uremic symptoms develop or eGFR <10
- Urgent transplant evaluation if candidate
- Requires nephrologist management
Scientific Evidence
CKD-EPI Equation Superior to MDRD
The CKD-EPI equation (published 2009) is more accurate than the older MDRD equation, especially at eGFR >60 mL/min. CKD-EPI reduces overdiagnosis of CKD in elderly and better predicts outcomes. Most labs now use CKD-EPI as the standard. Both equations have limitations in extremes of body size, rapidly changing kidney function, and non-Black/White ethnicities.
KDIGO Guidelines for CKD Management
KDIGO (Kidney Disease:Improving Global Outcomes) provides evidence-based guidelines for CKD staging, monitoring, and treatment. Key recommendations:Use eGFR + albuminuria for risk stratification. ACE/ARB for proteinuria. SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetic kidney disease. BP target <130/80. Statin for CV protection. Nephrology referral for eGFR <30 or rapidly declining. These guidelines form the foundation of CKD management worldwide.
SGLT2 Inhibitors Slow CKD Progression
SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin) reduce CKD progression by 30-40% in both diabetics and non-diabetics. The DAPA-CKD and EMPA-KIDNEY trials showed benefits even with eGFR as low as 20-25 mL/min. These drugs reduce proteinuria, slow eGFR decline, and lower risk of kidney failure requiring dialysis/transplant. Now considered standard of care for CKD with albuminuria.
eGFR Decline Rates and Prognosis
Normal age-related eGFR decline is ~1 mL/min/year after age 40. Decline >5 mL/min/year indicates progressive CKD requiring intervention. Rapid decline (>10 mL/min/year or >5 mL/min in 1 year) predicts high risk of kidney failure and warrants urgent nephrology referral to identify and treat reversible causes. Stable eGFR over years suggests well-controlled or non-progressive disease.
Source:Coresh J, et al. Decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate and subsequent risk of end-stage renal disease and mortality. JAMA. 2014;311(24):2518-2531.
Cardiovascular Risk in CKD
CKD is an independent and powerful cardiovascular risk factor. Patients with eGFR 30-60 have 2-3x higher risk of CV death compared to eGFR >90. Patients with eGFR <30 are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than to progress to dialysis. Aggressive CV risk factor management is critical (statins, BP control, diabetes management, smoking cessation) in all CKD patients.
Source:Go AS, et al. Chronic kidney disease and the risks of death, cardiovascular events, and hospitalization. N Engl J Med. 2004;351(13):1296-1305.
Which Providers Test eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)?
Full Provider Comparison
| Provider | Includes | Annual Cost | Biomarkers |
|---|---|---|---|
 Superpower | ✓ | $199 | 100+ (150 with ratios) |
 WHOOP Advanced Labs | ✓ | $349 | 65 |
 Labcorp OnDemand | ✓ | $398 | 30+ |
| ✓ | $486 | 40+ | |
| ✓ | $444 | 288 | |
| ✓ | $349 | 100+ | |
| — | $761 | 54 | |
 Function Health | ✓ | $365 | 160+ |
| ✓ | $250 | 65 | |
| ✓ | $495 | 70+ | |
| ✓ | $895 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $1950 | 150+ | |
| ✓ | $375 | 80+ | |
| — | $Varies | 75+ | |
| ✓ | $190 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $99 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $124 | 60 | |
| ✓ | $199 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $499 | 120+ | |
| ✓ | $4188 | 70-80+ | |
| ✓ | $375 | 85 | |
| ✓ | $700 | 128 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)?
Measure of kidney function
What is the optimal range for eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)?
The standard reference range for eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) is >60 mL/min/1.73m², Normal:>90 mL/min/1.73m². Optimal ranges may differ based on individual health goals and expert recommendations.
Which blood test providers include eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)?
20 out of 22 blood testing providers include eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) in their panels. This biomarker is widely available across major providers.
What category does eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) fall under?
eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) is categorized under Kidney Function. This category includes biomarkers that help assess related aspects of health and wellness.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed:2026-02-20