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Lab test
What is eGFR, and what do eGFR and creatinine results show?
eGFR, the estimated glomerular filtration rate, is calculated from blood creatinine (and sometimes cystatin C) with age and other factors to estimate how well the kidneys filter blood. MedlinePlus says an eGFR of 90 or above generally means no kidney disease, 60 to 90 may mean early disease, and below 60 may mean kidney disease.
What does the eGFR test measure?
Creatinine is a normal waste product made when muscles are used. Healthy kidneys filter it from the blood into the urine. MedlinePlus
Creatinine levels are used to calculate an eGFR, which estimates how fast the kidneys filter waste and is a more accurate measure of kidney health than creatinine alone. MedlinePlus
Why is the eGFR test ordered?
- To check kidney health, diagnose or monitor kidney disease, and check for side effects of medicines that may affect the kidneys. MedlinePlus
What are typical eGFR ranges?
MedlinePlus gives general eGFR bands, reported in mL/min/1.73 m², and notes your provider explains how they apply to you. MedlinePlus
Reference ranges differ between laboratories and testing methods, and many also differ by age, sex, pregnancy or the phase of the menstrual cycle. The range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result, and a clinician interprets it alongside your history.
| eGFR | What MedlinePlus says it generally means |
|---|---|
| 90 to 100 | You probably do not have kidney disease |
| 60 to 90 | You may have early-stage kidney disease |
| 15 to 60 | You may have kidney disease |
| Below 15 | You may have kidney failure |
ARUP Laboratories reports its creatinine interval "by report", because it varies with the instrument. ARUP Laboratories
What can affect eGFR results?
- Creatinine depends on muscle mass, diet, age and activity, which is why it is used inside a calculation rather than alone. MedlinePlus
- Meat can temporarily raise creatinine, so you may be told not to eat meat for 24 hours before the test. MedlinePlus
- eGFR can vary with age, body size and other conditions, and an abnormal result is possible without kidney damage. MedlinePlus
When should you talk to a clinician about a eGFR result?
- If eGFR is lower than normal for you, your provider may order more tests, such as a urine protein or albumin test, to look for kidney damage. MedlinePlus
DiscoverMedica explains what a test measures and what named sources publish. It does not interpret individual results; the clinician who ordered your test, or one you choose, does.
Where can you get a eGFR test?
A clinician can order it as part of routine or follow-up care. Some services also let you order lab tests yourself; check that a service’s panel includes this marker, which laboratory runs it, and who reviews the result with you.
- Function HealthAnnual membership for broad lab panels, drawn at Quest sites or at home.
- Quest HealthOrder individual lab tests from Quest Diagnostics online, without a doctor’s visit.
eGFR and Creatinine Test: questions, answered
What is a normal eGFR?
MedlinePlus gives general bands: 90 to 100 probably means no kidney disease, 60 to 90 may mean early-stage disease, 15 to 60 may mean kidney disease and below 15 may mean kidney failure. eGFR varies with age and body size, so your provider explains how these apply to you. An eGFR lower than normal for you may lead to a urine protein or albumin test.
Why is eGFR better than creatinine alone?
MedlinePlus explains that people make different amounts of creatinine depending on muscle mass, diet, age and activity. eGFR folds creatinine into a calculation with other factors, which gives a more accurate picture of how well the kidneys filter. Some reports also show cystatin C, another marker used to estimate eGFR.
Can diet affect a creatinine test?
Yes. MedlinePlus notes that eating meat can temporarily raise creatinine, so you may be told to avoid meat for 24 hours beforehand, and some medicines and supplements can affect results. Tell the person ordering the test what you take. Ask whether you also need to fast.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Test
- MedlinePlus: Creatinine Test
- ARUP Laboratories: Creatinine, Serum or Plasma (test 0020025)
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Every source above was checked on or before that date. Educational information only, not medical advice; it does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.
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