Skip to main content
Intermediate Technical IVT

eGFR

Also written as: eGFR — estimated glomerular filtration rate

Calculated estimate of kidney function based on serum creatinine and demographic factors.

Full Definition

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a calculated measure of kidney function derived from serum creatinine levels, age, sex, and race using standardized equations such as CKD-EPI or MDRD. The eGFR provides a more accurate assessment of kidney function than serum creatinine alone and is expressed in mL/min/1.73 m². Normal eGFR is greater than 90 mL/min/1.73 m², with chronic kidney disease defined as eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² for more than three months. Recent updates to calculation formulas have removed race-based adjustments to improve equity in kidney disease diagnosis.

Usage

Usage note: Lowercase 'e' in eGFR; include units mL/min/1.73 m² when reporting values.

In Context

  • "The patient's eGFR of 45 mL/min/1.73 m² indicates stage 3 chronic kidney disease." — Laboratory report
  • "Metformin should be discontinued when eGFR falls below 30 mL/min/1.73 m²." — Prescribing guideline

Also known as

estimated GFR

Don't confuse with

measured GFR creatinine clearance

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON