eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
Also known as: eGFR, Estimated GFR, GFR
eGFR is an estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering your blood, calculated from your creatinine along with factors like age and sex. It is reported as a single number that summarizes filtering capacity.
Why it's measured
Because it is calculated rather than directly measured, eGFR gives doctors a convenient way to track kidney function over time, usually together with creatinine and urine tests.
Typical range
Labs often report higher eGFR values as reflecting better estimated filtering, with lower values flagged for attention. The estimate has limitations, so your doctor interprets it alongside other information.
What high values can mean
A higher eGFR generally reflects stronger estimated filtering. As an estimate, it is read together with the rest of your kidney picture.
What low values can mean
A lower eGFR is a marker doctors follow over time, ideally with more than one measurement, before drawing conclusions about kidney function.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What does my eGFR suggest about my kidney function?
- Should this be tracked over time with repeat tests?
- Are there other kidney tests we should look at together?
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Try the explainerEducational information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges vary by lab; always use your own lab's range and discuss results with a qualified clinician.