A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) blood test measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood. Your kidneys contain tiny filters called glomeruli, which remove waste and extra water from your blood and expel them through urine. The GFR test measures the volume of blood that passes through these filters every minute.
This test is commonly used to assess kidney function and diagnose kidney disease. A low GFR indicates that your kidneys are not filtering waste effectively. This could be a sign of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can progress to kidney failure if left untreated.
Here's how the GFR test works:
- A simple blood test is taken to measure creatinine levels. Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle breakdown.
- The creatinine level is used to estimate the GFR, which is calculated based on age, sex, and race.
- The results are reported in milliliters per minute (mL/min).
Important points to remember:
- GFR is often referred to as estimated GFR (eGFR) as it is calculated, not directly measured.
- A normal GFR for adults is usually greater than 90 mL/min.
- Lower GFR levels may indicate kidney damage.
- Regular checkups are recommended for those at risk of kidney disease, including people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and family history of kidney disease.
