Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Test

What is a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test?
A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a blood test that checks how well your kidneys are working. Your kidneys have tiny filters called glomeruli. These filters help remove waste and excess fluid from the blood. A GFR test estimates how much blood passes through these filters each minute.

A GFR can be measured directly, but it is a complicated test, requiring specialized providers. So GFR is most often estimated using a test called an estimated GFR or eGFR. To get an estimate, your provider will use a method known as a GFR calculator. A GFR calculator is a type of mathematical formula that estimates the rate of filtration. It does this by comparing the results of a blood test that measures creatinine, a waste product filtered by the kidneys, with other information about you. This information includes some or all of the following:

The results of a blood test that measures creatinine, a waste product filtered by the kidneys
Age
Weight
Height
Gender
Race
The eGFR is a simple test that can provide very accurate results.

Other names: estimated GFR, eGFR, calculated glomerular filtration rate, cGFR

What is it used for?
A GFR test is used to help diagnose kidney disease at an early stage, when it is most treatable. GFR may also be used to monitor people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or other conditions that cause kidney damage. These include diabetes and high blood pressure.

Why do I need a GFR test?
Early stage kidney disease doesn’t usually cause symptoms. But you may need a GFR test if you are at higher risk of getting kidney disease. Risk factors include:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Family history of kidney failure
Later stage kidney disease does cause symptoms. So you may need a GFR test if you have any of the following symptoms:

Urinating more or less often than usual
Itching
Fatigue
Swelling in your arms, legs, or feet
Muscle cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
What happens during a GFR test?
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
You may need to fast (not eat or drink) or avoid certain foods for several hours before the test. Your health care provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.

Are there any risks to the test?
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

What do the results mean?
Your GFR results may show one of the following:

Normal—you probably don’t have kidney disease
Below normal—you may have kidney disease
Far below normal—you may have kidney failure
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

Is there anything else I need to know about a GFR test?
Although damage to your kidneys is usually permanent, you can take steps to prevent further damage. Steps may include:

Blood pressure medicines
Medicines to control blood sugar if you have diabetes
Lifestyle changes such as getting more exercise and maintaining a healthy weight
Limiting alcohol
Quitting smoking
If you treat kidney disease early, you may be able to prevent kidney failure. The only treatment options for kidney failure are dialysis or a kidney transplant.

What are the symptoms of low GFR?
What is normal GFR for age?
How can I improve my GFR?
When should I worry about GFR?
What are the first signs of kidney problems?
Does drinking water affect your GFR?
Can lack of water cause low GFR?
What is a good GFR for a 70 year old?
What level of GFR is normal?
What does it mean if your GFR count is low?
Will drinking more water increase my GFR?
How can I improve my kidney GFR?
Can you bring your GFR back up?
What is the best thing to drink for your kidneys?
Can lack of water cause low GFR?
Can lack of water affect GFR?
Can dehydration make GFR low?
What is a good GFR by age?
What food is good for kidneys?
What are the first signs of kidney problems?
What three things affect GFR?
Should I drink a lot of water before GFR test?
Can a low GFR be reversed?
What breakfast is good for kidneys?
What foods are hard on the kidneys?
Is coffee good for kidneys?
How is GFR affected by age?
What is a normal GFR for a 65 year old man?
Will drinking more water increase my GFR?

#gfr #egfr #kidney #kidneydisease #kidneyhealth #kidneyfailure #kidneystone #kidneydialysis #labtech #labtechnician #medicallaboratory #pathology #pathologylab

свернуть