Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), Whole Blood
A calculated estimate of how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood, usually based on a blood creatinine measurement.
["Your eGFR helps assess kidney function and is interpreted alongside other kidney tests and your health history."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55770-2
- Short code
- EGFR exon 20 Ins Bld/T Ql
- Synonyms
- EGFR exon 20 Ins Bld/T Ql
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 90
- Ref high
- 120
- Critical range
- 15 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 82565
- SNOMED
- 247997009
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, estimates how much blood the kidneys can filter each minute. It is usually calculated from a blood creatinine test and information such as your age and sex.
Why might I need this test?
eGFR is commonly used to screen for and monitor chronic kidney disease. It may also be checked when kidney function changes because of illness, medication use, pregnancy, or other health conditions.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is analyzed for creatinine, a waste product made by the muscles. Your clinician or laboratory combines the result with personal information to calculate the eGFR, which is reported alongside the creatinine level.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually needed. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, recently exercised intensely, have a muscle injury, or have changed medications, because these factors can affect the creatinine result and calculated eGFR.
Reference range
Normal: >90 mL/min/1.73m²N/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A lower eGFR may indicate reduced kidney filtration and can be associated with chronic kidney disease, dehydration, or certain medications. A higher or unexpectedly changed value may occur with pregnancy, high muscle mass, recent strenuous exercise, or a temporary change in kidney function. A single result does not establish a diagnosis, so it is usually interpreted with repeat testing, urine findings, and other clinical information.
Short name
eGFR
Frequently asked questions
Is eGFR the same as a creatinine test?
Does a low eGFR mean I have kidney failure?
Can exercise or muscle size affect my eGFR?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy