estimated GFR

The eGFR test is recommended for certain groups of people who are at risk for kidney disease or who have symptoms that may be related to kidney problems.

Some of the groups that may benefit from eGFR testing include

- People with diabetes: Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease, and people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing kidney problems. Regular eGFR testing can help detect kidney problems early in people with diabetes.

- People with high blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time, and people with high blood pressure are at higher risk for developing kidney disease. Regular eGFR testing can help detect kidney problems early in people with high blood pressure.

- People with a family history of kidney disease: If you have a family history of kidney disease, you may be at higher risk for developing the condition yourself. Regular eGFR testing can help detect kidney problems early in people with a family history of the condition.

- Older adults: As we age, our kidneys may not work as well as they did when we were younger. Regular eGFR testing can help detect age-related changes in kidney function.

- People taking medications that can damage the kidneys: Some medicines can damage the kidneys over time. If you are taking a medicine that can damage your kidneys, your healthcare provider may order regular eGFR tests to monitor your kidney function and make sure the medicine is not causing harm.

If you think you may be in one or more of these categories, talk to your healthcare provider about whether eGFR testing is right for you. Early detection and treatment of kidney problems through regular testing can help prevent serious complications down the road.

The results of an eGFR test are usually given as a number in milliliters per minute per 1.73 square meters (mL/min/1.73 m2). This number represents how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood.

The higher the number, the better your kidney function.

- Normal eGFR range: A normal eGFR range is usually between 90 and 120 mL/min/1.73 m2. However, this range can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, and muscle mass.

- Mildly reduced eGFR: An eGFR between 60 and 89 mL/min/1.73 m2 is considered mildly reduced kidney function.

- Moderately reduced eGFR: An eGFR between 30 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 is considered to be moderately reduced kidney function.

- Severely impaired eGFR: An eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 is considered to be severely impaired.

When your eGFR test results are outside the normal range, it may indicate that you have kidney disease or another condition affecting your kidneys. Your healthcare provider will use your test results, along with other information such as your medical history and physical exam, to determine if further testing or treatment is needed.

Your healthcare provider may need to repeat the test, but it's important to note that a single abnormal result does not necessarily mean you have kidney disease or another condition affecting your kidneys. Your healthcare provider may order repeat tests to confirm the results and rule out other possible causes of abnormal results.

In conclusion, interpreting the results of an eGFR test means understanding what the numbers mean in terms of kidney function and how they relate to normal ranges for different populations. Your healthcare provider will use this information, along with other factors, to determine if further testing or treatment is needed.