What is GFR?

GFR - glomerular filtration rate is the best test to measure your level of kidney function and determine your stage of kidney disease.Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the tiny filters in the kidneys, called glomeruli, each minute.GFR over 90mls/min/1.73m 2 is normal unless there is other evidence of kidney disease , in which case CKD is stage 1.How to Prepare for the Test:Your doctor will want to pinpoint your diagnosis and check your kidney function to help plan your treatment.
The doctor may do the following:1.Calculate your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) , which is the best way to tell how much kidney function you have.2.Perform an ultrasound or CT scan to get a picture of your kidneys and urinary tract.3.Perform a kidney biopsy, which is done in some cases to check for a specific type of kidney disease, see how much kidney damage has occurred and help plan treatment.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, normal results range from 90 - 120 mL/min/1.73 m 2 .If GFR is 60-90 mls/min/1.73m 2 , the definition of CKD also requires one of the above features to be present, in which case CKD stage is 2.A GFR result below 15 mL/min/1.73 m 2 is a sign of kidney failure and requires immediate medical attention.Other abnormalities such as having blood or protein in the urine on testing may lead to a diagnosis of CKD despite normal or nearly-normal GFR.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other.Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but can include:Excessive bleeding.Fainting or feeling lightheaded.Hematoma.Infection.The creatinine clearance test, which involves a 24-hour urine collection, can also provide an estimate of kidney function.However, this method is not always accurate.GFR can increase during pregnancy.
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