Calculated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) from Serum Creatinine and Other Parameters
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 blood measurements.
["Your kidneys’ filtering ability helps determine kidney function and risk for kidney disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50044-7
- Short code
- GFR SerPlBld Creatinine-bsd fmla FML
- Synonyms
- GFR SerPlBld Creatinine-bsd fmla FML
- 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-female-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
Why This Test Matters for Kidney Health
GFR measures how efficiently your kidneys remove waste and excess fluids from your blood. While creatinine alone can give a rough estimate, combining it with other factors helps provide a more accurate picture of kidney function.
How the Test Works
The test uses a mathematical formula (often called the CKD-EPI equation) to calculate GFR from your serum creatinine level and other blood test results, such as age, race, and sometimes blood urea nitrogen (BUN). This helps doctors assess kidney function more precisely than creatinine alone.
When You Might Need This Test
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like swelling, frequent urination, fatigue, or if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease. It’s also used to monitor kidney function in people with chronic conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll have a blood sample drawn, usually from your arm, similar to other blood tests. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
GFR (Serum Creatinine-Based)
Frequently asked questions
GFR helps doctors diagnose and monitor kidney disease. Low GFR levels may indicate impaired kidney function, while high levels might suggest overhydration or other conditions. Early detection allows for timely interventions to protect kidney health.
How often should I get this test? Your doctor will determine frequency based on your health, symptoms, and risk factors—typically every few months or years if you have kidney concerns.
Is this test painful? Blood draws are generally mild discomfort, but most people tolerate it well. You may feel a slight pinch or sting during the procedure.
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