Kidney system

eGFR (estimated GFR)

eGFR

A calculated estimate of glomerular filtration rate — the gold standard for kidney function.

What is it

eGFR (estimated GFR) — in plain English.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate is calculated from creatinine, age, sex, and other factors. It estimates how much blood the kidneys filter per minute.

Why it's measured

What eGFR can reveal.

eGFR has been used as the standard measure of kidney function in research and clinical practice, including in kidney disease staging.

Reference range

Where most laboratories draw the standard line.

Standard laboratory reference

> 90 mL/min/1.73m²

Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Your individual reference range will appear on your test report and should be interpreted by your physician in the context of your overall health profile.

What results may indicate

Higher vs. lower eGFR — at a high level.

Elevated

Generally considered favorable.

Lower

Has been used to stage chronic kidney disease in published research.

These associations are general. They are not a personal diagnosis or prediction. Discuss your individual results with your physician in the context of your full health profile.

When it's measured

When eGFR is typically run.

Reported automatically when creatinine is measured.

Related markers

Often measured alongside eGFR.

Common questions

Questions people ask about eGFR (estimated GFR)

What is eGFR (estimated GFR)?

Estimated glomerular filtration rate is calculated from creatinine, age, sex, and other factors. It estimates how much blood the kidneys filter per minute.

Why is eGFR (estimated GFR) measured?

It's one of the markers used to build a fuller picture of your health. On its own it tells you very little, so it's most informative when reviewed alongside related markers.

How is eGFR (estimated GFR) tested?

It's measured from a standard blood draw at Quest or LabCorp. eGFR (estimated GFR) is one of the markers included in the OPTML Apex Panel, where your results are read across systems and reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.

What should I do with my eGFR (estimated GFR) result?

Reference ranges vary by laboratory, and a single value rarely tells the whole story. Review your result with a physician in the context of your other markers, symptoms, and history.

Not sure which panel is right for you?

eGFR (estimated GFR) is one signal among many. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll point you to the panel that fits.

Measured in

eGFR is one of 160 biomarkers in the Apex Panel.

A complete look at your heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and longevity systems — drawn at Quest or LabCorp, reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.

Explore the Apex Panel
160 biomarkers13 body systemsPhysician-reviewed
Back to all biomarkers

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Lab results alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition and do not replace the advice of a healthcare provider. OPTML does not offer medical advice, a diagnosis, medical treatment, or any form of medical opinion.