What is GFR and Why is it so Important?

GFR stands for Glomerular Filtration Rate. It is a laboratory test that measures how quickly the kidneys are filtering the toxins from the blood. GFR is an important indicator of kidney health, and if it is low, it could indicate a potential kidney disorder. It is commonly done at the same time as other lab tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and a urinalysis.

The GFR is important because it can assess the functioning of the kidneys and identify potential kidney disorders or diseas. It can also help determine an individual’s risk of developing kidney complications. In addition, the GFR can help to monitor the progression of kidney disease and how well the treatments are working.

How is the GFR Tested?

The GFR is usually tested through a urine sample. This involves collecting a urine sample from the individual and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will measure the levels of creatinine, a waste product, in the urine. The creatinine level is used to calculate the individual’s GFR.

The GFR can also be tested through a blood sample. In this case, the laboratory will measure the levels of creatinine and other substances in the blood. This method is more accurate than measuring GFR through a urine sample.

What Do the Results of the GFR Test Indicate?

The results of the GFR test are expressed as a number that indicates the rate of filtration of waste by the kidneys. A normal GFR range is typically between 60 and 90mL/min/1.73m2. A higher number is generally considered to be better.

A GFR below 60mL/min/1.73m2 may indicate a kidney disorder, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). A GFR below 15mL/min/1.73m2 is typically an indication of end-stage kidney failure, and this usually requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to treat.

Conclusion

The GFR test can be used to measure the functioning of the kidneys and to identify potential kidney disorders. It is also important for monitoring the progression of kidney disease and assessing the success of treatments. It is typically measured either through a urine or a blood sample. Low GFR numbers may indicate a potential kidney disorder, and very low numbers indicate end-stage kidney failure. It is important to get regular GFR tests if any signs of kidney disease or dysfunction are present.