GFR Calculator
Estimate Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
Estimated GFR Result
Understanding GFR: A Comprehensive Guide to Kidney Health
Our GFR Calculator provides an estimate of your Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), a key indicator of kidney function. GFR measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. Maintaining a healthy GFR is crucial for overall health and preventing the progression of kidney disease.
Early detection is key! Regular GFR checks can help identify kidney problems early, allowing for timely intervention and management.
How to Use the GFR Calculator
To estimate your GFR, simply enter the following information:
- Age: Your age in years. GFR naturally declines with age.
- Sex: Male or Female. Sex is a factor in the CKD-EPI equation.
- Creatinine: Your serum creatinine level from a blood test. You can choose between mg/dL or µmol/L units.
- Race: Select “Black” or “Non-Black.” This factor is part of the original CKD-EPI 2009 equation, though newer guidelines advocate for race-neutral estimations.
Click “Calculate GFR” to get your estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate.
What is GFR and Why is it Important?
The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is the best overall measure of kidney function. It reflects how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are tiny filters in your kidneys that remove waste products and excess fluid from your blood.
- Kidney Disease Staging: GFR is used to stage chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Medication Dosing: Doctors use GFR to adjust dosages of medications that are cleared by the kidneys.
- Risk Assessment: A declining GFR indicates worsening kidney function and increased risk for complications.
Understanding Your GFR Results
GFR is expressed in milliliters per minute per 1.73 square meters of body surface area (mL/min/1.73m²). Here’s a general interpretation:
- 90 or higher: Normal kidney function.
- 60-89: Mildly decreased kidney function.
- 45-59: Mild to moderate decreased kidney function.
- 30-44: Moderate to severe decreased kidney function.
- 15-29: Severely decreased kidney function.
- Less than 15: Kidney failure.
Remember that these are general guidelines. Your healthcare provider will interpret your GFR results in the context of your overall health, medical history, and other diagnostic tests.
Our GFR Calculator is a helpful tool for understanding your kidney health numbers, but it should not replace professional medical advice.