Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
Quick answer: eGFR is a calculation from your blood creatinine, age and sex that estimates how well your kidneys filter blood. Doctors use it to check kidney function, stage kidney disease and adjust doses of some medicines.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testAvoid a large meat meal and heavy exercise just before the test, if possible.
How the test is done
- 1A needle draws blood from a vein for a creatinine test
- 2The lab measures your creatinine level
- 3eGFR is calculated from creatinine, your age and sex
- 4Your doctor may repeat it to confirm any change
What your results can mean
Reading your report
eGFR is an estimate and is less reliable at extremes of body size and in pregnancy, so discuss your result with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A low eGFR can be seen with reduced kidney function, which may be long-term kidney disease or a short-term drop from dehydration or illness. A single low value is usually repeated before conclusions are drawn.
Who usually has this test
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a family history of kidney disease, and people on medicines that affect the kidneys.
Risks and aftercare
Drink normally afterwards; any bruise at the needle site should fade soon.
Names and options
Also called: eGFR, GFR, kidney filtration rate
Listed by the hospital as
- GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE (eGFR)
Questions about this test
Is eGFR a separate blood test?
No. It is calculated from your creatinine result, so it comes from the same blood sample.
Why might eGFR be less reliable for some people?
It assumes average muscle mass, so it can be misleading in very muscular people, older adults, amputees or during pregnancy.
Does a low eGFR always mean kidney disease?
Not always. Dehydration, some medicines and recent heavy meat meals can lower it for a short time. Kidney disease is usually confirmed with repeat tests over 3 months.
Related tests
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.