eGFR

Aliases: estimated GFR

Group: Kidney function

Description:

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test checks the functioning of the kidneys. The kidneys are equipped with small filters called glomeruli. These filters help remove waste and excess fluid from the blood. The GFR test estimates the amount of blood that passes through these filters every minute. GFR can be measured directly, but it is a complicated test that requires a specialized provider. For this reason, GFR is often estimated with a test called estimated GFR (eGFR). To obtain an estimate, the provider will use a method known as a GFR calculator. The GFR calculator is a type of mathematical formula that estimates the filtration rate. It does this by comparing the results of a blood test that measures creatinine, a waste product filtered by the kidneys, with other personal information.