How to Calculate Your Egfr

Your estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) rate is one factor doctors look at to determine kidney health and function. If you know you have kidney disease, you should have your eGFR checked regularly to learn the extent of kidney damage. You should not have the test if you have another serious health issue, are under the age of 17, over the age of 70, very muscular or very overweight.

Things You'll Need

• eGFR lab test
• eGFR test results

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Consider your symptoms. If you are between the ages of 18 and 70, and have kidney disease warning signs, you doctor may order an eGFR test. Warning signs include being more tired/having less energy, trouble concentrating, a poor appetite, dry or itchy skin, swollen feet and ankles, puffiness around your eyes (especially in the morning), trouble sleeping, muscle cramping at night, and the need to urinate more often (especially at night).

• 2

  Order an eGFR test. A lab can determine your eGFR when your blood sample goes for a creatinine measurement. Those lab results, in conjunction with your age, gender and race, will be what your doctor uses to calculate your eGFR. You may need to have your eGFR tested regularly if you are older, have diabetes,hypertension or a family history of kidney disease.

• 3

  Consider the results. An eGFR of less than 15 indicates kidney failure; 15-29 means severe kidney damage; 30-59 points towards moderate kidney damage. If you have a result of 60 or more, your doctor may check your urine, blood pressure, blood (for toxins), family history and health history to determine if you are at risk for developing kidney disease.