When your doctor orders a blood test and mentions eGFR, it’s natural to wonder what that means for your health. eGFR, or estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, is a key indicator of how well your kidneys are functioning. This article will explain what eGFR is, how it’s measured in a blood test, and why it’s important for understanding your kidney health.
What eGFR Tells You About Your Kidneys
The eGFR test is conducted using a blood sample to measure the level of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product produced by your muscles. Healthy kidneys efficiently filter creatinine from your blood, sending it out of the body through urine. However, if your kidneys aren’t working optimally, creatinine can accumulate in your blood.
The eGFR test result provides a numerical value that reflects the amount of creatinine in your blood. This number is then used by doctors to estimate your glomerular filtration rate – essentially, how much blood your kidneys are filtering per minute. A lower eGFR suggests that your kidneys may not be filtering blood as effectively as they should. Your doctor will discuss your eGFR results with you and explain what they mean in the context of your overall health.
Factors That Can Influence Your eGFR Levels
It’s important to know that your eGFR is not a static number. It can fluctuate over time and be influenced by various factors. For example, dehydration – not drinking enough fluids – can temporarily affect your eGFR.
In the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD), your eGFR level is a crucial marker of disease progression. As CKD worsens, your eGFR number typically decreases. However, early detection of kidney issues and adopting healthy lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing CKD. Following a kidney-friendly diet and engaging in regular exercise may help slow down the progression of CKD and potentially stabilize your eGFR.
Kidney Health Beyond eGFR: Other Indicators
While eGFR is a primary indicator of kidney function, it’s not the only one. It’s possible to have kidney damage even when your eGFR is within the normal range. Other signs of kidney problems, such as protein in your urine (proteinuria) or physical damage to the kidneys, can occur even with a normal eGFR.
If protein is detected in your urine, your doctor will likely conduct further tests to rule out temporary causes like dehydration and to investigate potential underlying kidney issues.
Preparing for Your eGFR Blood Test
Typically, an eGFR test requires a simple blood draw. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for your test. In some cases, you may be asked to fast, meaning you should avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before the test. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure accurate test results.
Why is the eGFR Test Performed?
The eGFR test is often included as part of routine health check-ups to assess kidney function. It’s also ordered if your doctor suspects you might have kidney disease based on other symptoms or risk factors. The eGFR calculation takes into account your blood creatinine level along with factors like your age, sex, weight, and race to provide a more accurate estimate of your kidney function.
Understanding your eGFR is a vital step in monitoring and maintaining your kidney health. If you have any concerns about your kidney health or your eGFR results, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
