Understanding EGFR in Blood Test
What is EGFR and why is it important in blood tests?
EGFR stands for “estimated glomerular filtration rate,” which is a measurement of how well your kidneys are working. When your kidneys filter your blood, they remove waste and excess fluids, and this waste is excreted in your urine. EGFR is a way to estimate how well your kidneys are filtering your blood based on the amount of creatinine, a waste product, in your blood.
EGFR is important in blood tests because it can help diagnose kidney problems, monitor the progression of kidney disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for kidney disease. Kidney disease can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, anemia, nerve damage, and bone disease, so it’s important to detect and treat kidney problems as early as possible.
How is EGFR measured in blood tests?
EGFR is typically measured in a blood test that also measures creatinine levels. The test is called a creatinine blood test, and it’s a common part of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) or basic metabolic panel (BMP).
The EGFR measurement is calculated using a formula that takes into account your age, sex, race, and creatinine level. This formula is used to estimate how much blood your kidneys are filtering each minute.
It’s important to note that the EGFR measurement is an estimate, and it may not be as accurate in certain situations, such as in people with very high or very low muscle mass or in people with certain medical conditions. Your healthcare provider will take your individual situation into account when interpreting your EGFR measurement.
What are normal and abnormal EGFR levels?
Normal EGFR levels range from 90 to 120 milliliters per minute per 1.73 meters squared (mL/min/1.73m²). However, normal ranges can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the method used to calculate EGFR.
Abnormal EGFR levels can indicate kidney damage or disease. EGFR levels between 60 and 89 mL/min/1.73m² may indicate mild kidney damage, while levels between 30 and 59 mL/min/1.73m² indicate moderate damage. EGFR levels below 30 mL/min/1.73m² indicate severe kidney damage or kidney failure.
It’s important to note that a low EGFR level does not necessarily mean you have kidney disease. Other factors, such as age, race, sex, and muscle mass, can affect EGFR levels. Your healthcare provider will take these factors into account when interpreting your EGFR measurement.
What medical conditions can affect EGFR levels?
Several medical conditions can affect EGFR levels, including:
Kidney disease: Any condition that damages the kidneys, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can reduce EGFR levels.
Aging: EGFR levels naturally decline as you age, even in people without kidney disease.
Muscle mass: Higher muscle mass can increase creatinine levels, which can affect EGFR measurements.
Pregnancy: EGFR levels can decrease during pregnancy, but this is usually not a cause for concern.
Certain medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can increase creatinine levels and affect EGFR measurements.
It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions or medications you are taking that may affect your EGFR levels.
How can you improve your EGFR levels?
If you have low EGFR levels, there are several steps you can take to help improve them:
Manage underlying medical conditions: If you have conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes that are contributing to kidney damage, it’s important to manage these conditions to help prevent further damage.
Quit smoking: Smoking can damage your blood vessels and decrease blood flow to your kidneys, so quitting smoking can help improve your kidney function.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve your overall health and may also improve your kidney function.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can increase your risk of developing kidney disease, so maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce this risk.
Follow a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources can help improve your overall health and may also benefit your kidney function.
It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about any lifestyle changes you plan to make to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your individual situation.
