Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) calculated from serum creatinine and other variables
This test estimates how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood using a formula that includes your serum creatinine level and other factors.
["Your kidneys’ ability to remove waste is a key health indicator—this test helps monitor kidney function over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48643-1
- Short code
- GFR SerPlBld Creatinine-bsd fmla /1.73sq
- Synonyms
- GFR SerPlBld Creatinine-bsd fmla /1.73sq
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.6
- Ref high
- 1.3
- Critical range
- — – 10 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- creatinine-based-formula-mdrd-sq-m-among-black-population
- CPT
- 82565
- SNOMED
- 247997009
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
GFR measures the rate at which blood is filtered by your kidneys. While creatinine is one part of the calculation, the result reflects overall kidney function rather than just creatinine levels alone.
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors use GFR to check for early kidney problems, track kidney disease progression, or assess kidney function before certain treatments. It’s also useful for managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein (usually in your arm). The lab measures your serum creatinine level and applies a formula (often the CKD-EPI equation) to estimate GFR based on your age, gender, race, and creatinine result.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Low GFR may signal kidney damage, dehydration, heart failure, or other conditions affecting blood flow to the kidneys. High GFR (rarely seen in healthy adults) could indicate overhydration or other metabolic factors.
Reference range
Adult male: 0.7-1.3 mg/dL; Female: 0.6-1.1 mg/dLN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A low GFR is critical because it signals impaired kidney function, increasing risks for waste buildup, fluid imbalance, or related complications like anemia or bone disease. Regular monitoring helps prevent progression of kidney disease.
Short name
GFR (Serum Creatinine-Based)
Frequently asked questions
What does a low GFR mean for my long-term health?
How often should I expect to have this test?
Can diet or medications affect my GFR results?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy