Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) with Serum Creatinine Calculation
This test measures how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood using a formula that includes your serum creatinine level.
Your kidney function is assessed by comparing your creatinine level to a standard value.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33914-3
- Short code
- GFR SerPl Creatinine-bsd frml MDRD
- Synonyms
- GFR SerPl Creatinine-bsd frml MDRD
- 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
- 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
GFR helps doctors determine how well your kidneys are working to remove waste and excess fluids from your blood. It’s a key tool for diagnosing and managing kidney disease, especially when combined with other tests.
How the Test Works
Your blood is drawn to measure your serum creatinine level, a waste product from muscle metabolism. A formula (often the CKD-EPI equation) uses this value along with other factors (like age, gender, and race) to estimate your GFR.
When You Might Need This Test
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms of kidney problems (like swelling, fatigue, or frequent urination), if you have a chronic condition that affects kidneys (like diabetes or high blood pressure), or as part of routine check-ups for high-risk patients.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes, and you can resume normal activities afterward.
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 suggests kidney damage or disease, while a normal or high GFR indicates healthy kidney function. Early detection of kidney issues allows for timely treatment to slow progression and prevent complications like heart disease or severe fluid buildup.
Short name
GFR (Serum Creatinine) Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a low GFR mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or exercise affect my GFR test 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