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eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

eGFR: Normal Values and What a Reduced eGFR Means

Q: What do the different eGFR stages mean?

eGFR above 90 mL/min is considered normal. Stages of chronic kidney disease are defined as: stage 1 (eGFR 90+, normal but with other signs of kidney damage), stage 2 (60-89, mildly decreased), stage 3a (45-59, mild to moderate decrease), stage 3b (30-44, moderate to severe decrease), stage 4 (15-29, severely decreased), and stage 5 (below 15, kidney failure).

Q: Can eGFR improve once it has declined?

In some cases, eGFR can stabilise or even improve with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, especially if the decline was caused by reversible factors such as dehydration, medication effects, or poorly managed blood pressure. However, permanent kidney damage cannot be reversed.

Q: Why does eGFR decrease with age?

It is normal for eGFR to gradually decline with age as the kidneys naturally lose some filtration capacity. A typical decline is about 1 mL/min per year after age 40. However, a rapid decline may indicate kidney disease and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

eGFR is the most important measure of kidney function and the primary tool for detecting chronic kidney disease early. Regular monitoring empowers you to take proactive steps to protect your kidney health before symptoms develop.

Doctor's Assessment Included

When is this value abnormal?

Decision limits per result, in ml/min/1,73m²
Result	Value (ml/min/1,73m²)
G5 – kidney failure	< 15
G4 – severely decreased	15–30
G3b – moderately to severely decreased	30–45
G3a – mildly to moderately decreased	45–60
G2 – mildly decreased	60–90
G1 – normal or high	≥ 90

De eGFR wordt niet beoordeeld met één normaalwaarde, maar met de stadia G1 tot en met G5 uit de richtlijn Chronische nierschade (NHG/NIV, naar KDIGO). De waarde is een schatting: hij wordt met de CKD-EPI-formule berekend uit het kreatinine in uw bloed, uw leeftijd en uw geslacht. Het stadium alleen zegt nog niet of er nierschade is: daarvoor kijkt de arts ook naar de albumine-creatinineratio (ACR) in de urine, en of een afwijking ten minste 3 maanden aanhoudt. Ook bij stadium G1-G2 kan er nierschade zijn als de albuminurie verhoogd is; met een normale albuminurie geldt G1-G2 als geen chronische nierschade (samen circa 88% van de bevolking). Bij een eGFR onder de 60 die langer dan 3 maanden bestaat, spreekt men van chronische nierschade en past de huisarts zo nodig medicatiedoseringen aan. Bespreek uw uitslag met uw huisarts.

Source: NHG Reference population: Alle volwassenen (KDIGO/NHG-stadiëring, leeftijdsonafhankelijk)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): what this test measures

eGFR estimates the volume of blood that your kidneys filter per minute, expressed in millilitres per minute per 1.73 square metres of body surface area. It is calculated using blood creatinine or cystatin C levels, combined with factors such as age and sex.

A normal eGFR is generally above 90 mL/min. Values between 60 and 89 may indicate mildly reduced function, 30 to 59 suggests moderate impairment, 15 to 29 indicates severe reduction, and below 15 may indicate kidney failure. You can estimate your own value with our kidney function calculator.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): why this value matters

eGFR is the most important single measure for assessing overall kidney function. It is used internationally to diagnose chronic kidney disease, determine its stage, and guide treatment decisions.

Regular eGFR monitoring allows early detection of kidney function decline, often before symptoms appear. This is critical because early intervention can significantly slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): when is testing worthwhile?

eGFR is routinely calculated as part of standard blood work whenever creatinine is measured. It is especially important for individuals with risk factors for kidney disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and a family history of kidney problems.

More frequent monitoring is recommended for those with an established diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, or for individuals taking medications that may affect kidney function.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Fatigue and persistent lack of energy
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or around the eyes
High blood pressure
Nausea or loss of appetite
Difficulty concentrating or mental fogginess

High Levels

High eGFR values are generally not a cause for concern
May reflect normal healthy kidney function
Very high values can occasionally be seen in early diabetes or pregnancy

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low eGFR indicates reduced kidney function. Consult a nephrologist for evaluation and management.

If High

Normal to high eGFR indicates healthy kidney function. Maintain kidney-healthy habits.

Female

If Low

Low eGFR indicates reduced kidney function. Consult a nephrologist for evaluation and management.

If High

Normal to high eGFR indicates healthy kidney function. Maintain kidney-healthy habits.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): lifestyle and this value

Protect your kidney function by managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels within healthy ranges. Stay well hydrated and maintain a balanced diet that is not excessively high in sodium or protein.

Engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking. Limit the use of over-the-counter pain medications, particularly NSAIDs, which can damage the kidneys over time. Always discuss medication use with your healthcare provider.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): frequently asked questions

What do the different eGFR stages mean?

eGFR above 90 mL/min is considered normal. Stages of chronic kidney disease are defined as: stage 1 (eGFR 90+, normal but with other signs of kidney damage), stage 2 (60-89, mildly decreased), stage 3a (45-59, mild to moderate decrease), stage 3b (30-44, moderate to severe decrease), stage 4 (15-29, severely decreased), and stage 5 (below 15, kidney failure).

Can eGFR improve once it has declined?

In some cases, eGFR can stabilise or even improve with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, especially if the decline was caused by reversible factors such as dehydration, medication effects, or poorly managed blood pressure. However, permanent kidney damage cannot be reversed.

Why does eGFR decrease with age?

It is normal for eGFR to gradually decline with age as the kidneys naturally lose some filtration capacity. A typical decline is about 1 mL/min per year after age 40. However, a rapid decline may indicate kidney disease and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Health Checkups

Extended Health Checkup

Broad health panel: blood count, thyroid, vitamins, lipids, liver, kidney and HbA1c.

Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Free T4 (Thyroxine) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Vitamin B12 Vitamin D (25-OH) Ferritin HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) HDL Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Liver Function Test (LFT) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Basic Blood Count

€259,-

Health Checkups

Complete Metabolic Panel

Comprehensive metabolic panel: electrolytes, kidney, liver, glucose, HbA1c, and protein.

Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Albumin ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Total Protein

€149,-

Whoop

A 43-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count

€499,-

Health Checkups

Kidney Function

Creatinine, eGFR, and BUN: key kidney markers.

Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

€69,-

Whoop

Whoop Heart Health

A 45-biomarker heart health panel inspired by the WHOOP Heart Health Panel — an advanced look at cholesterol, lipoproteins, inflammation and kidney function.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) Leukocyte Differential ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) Cystatin C Uric Acid

€629,-

Whoop

Whoop Performance Health

A 50-biomarker performance panel inspired by the WHOOP Performance Health Panel — recovery, blood production, thyroid, hormones, iron and nutrient status for people who train.

€689,-

Whoop

Whoop Metabolic Health

A 51-biomarker metabolic panel inspired by the WHOOP Metabolic Health Panel — blood sugar regulation, insulin, thyroid, liver and the mineral cofactors behind your metabolism.

€799,-

Whoop

Whoop Women's Health

A 53-biomarker women's health panel inspired by the WHOOP Women's Health Panel — fertility, cycle and thyroid hormones plus a complete metabolic and nutrient base.

€709,-

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Whoop Men's Health

A 48-biomarker men's health panel inspired by the WHOOP Men's Health Panel — testosterone, PSA and prostate health plus a complete metabolic and hormone base.

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Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy

CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

€7,-

When is this value abnormal?

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): what this test measures

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): why this value matters

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): when is testing worthwhile?

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

High Levels

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): what to do about an abnormal value

Male

Female

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): lifestyle and this value

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): frequently asked questions

Test Products

Extended Health Checkup

Complete Metabolic Panel

Whoop

Kidney Function

Whoop Heart Health

Whoop Performance Health

Whoop Metabolic Health

Whoop Women's Health

Whoop Men's Health

Read more about this blood value

Which blood values are in a standard blood test?

eGFR explained: what does this kidney value say about your kidneys?

Understanding blood test results: what your values mean and which ones matter

Which blood test by age: 30, 40 or 50

Medical standards