GFR Test Explained: How It Helps Check Your Kidney Health?

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a standard testing procedure for assessing an individual's overall kidney health and kidney function. The kidneys' glomeruli are microscopic filters that remove waste from the blood, and the GFR test (glomerular filtration rate test) calculates the volume of blood that flows through the glomeruli per minute to make a report on your kidney function efficiency.  

GFR test is generally regarded as an accurate and standard process for determining how well your kidneys are functioning, however, if you are under eighteen, pregnant, or extremely overweight, GFR does not offer correct results. In these cases, to determine the source of your kidney illness, other tests such as ultrasound or a kidney biopsy could also be prescribed by your healthcare professional.  

What is the Glomerular Filtration Rate Test? 

A blood test called a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test measures how effectively your kidneys are functioning. On either side of your spine, close to your waist, are the kidneys, which have glomeruli, a type of microscopic filter. These filters eliminate waste and excess water from your blood through urine!  

Your kidneys cannot filter your blood as quickly as they should if any renal disease has harmed them, and to check that, a GFR test measures the amount of blood your kidneys filter in a minute. Although GFR is a difficult test to perform, it may be done without taking too much time. The number of certain components in your blood is typically used by medical professionals to assess your GFR.  

Your clinician will utilize the results of a blood test that evaluates your creatinine level, a waste product from your muscle activities, to determine your GFR because your blood may accumulate creatinine if your kidneys aren't functioning properly. Remember, depending on their body size, nutrition, and degree of exercise, people produce varying quantities of creatinine. That’s why your healthcare provider will utilize not only your creatinine levels but also additional personal data like your age, weight, height, and sex to create the result.  

The amount of cystatin C in your blood can also be used to determine your GFR as your body produces this protein in a large number of cells. Some studies show cystatin C offers a more accurate finding of GFR than creatinine since its levels are unaffected by age, food, or muscle size. That is the reason, in some circumstances, GFR in adults is determined using both creatinine and cystatin C values. 

To determine your GFR for normal kidney function, all these data are entered into a mathematical formula known as a GFR calculator!  

When and Why Do Doctors Order GFR Test?   

The GFR blood test is a trustworthy method that aids in kidney evaluation and monitoring, and that way, assisting in the early identification and treatment of renal disorders. Here are the reasons why this test is performed:  

• Track Kidney Functions in Chronic Illnesses - If you have had chronic kidney disease, you could be requested to take the GFR test to see if the treatment is effective or needs to be modified.
  
  
• Early Kidney Problem Detection - One of the main goals of the GFR blood test is to assess kidney function and identify any possible anomalies and related issues so that appropriate action may be taken before it's too late.
   
• Preoperative Evaluation - Prior to specific medical operations, to ascertain a patient's capacity to tolerate specific drugs and treatments, the GFR test may be used to evaluate the patient's kidney functions.
  
  
• Determine Future Risk Factors - The GFR test can assist medical professionals in determining a patient's future risk of renal disease so that the patient can take the necessary precautions to avoid or control the illness. 

If you have inexplicable body edema, foamy urine, lower back discomfort, and urination difficulty your doctor will order this test because these are often the symptoms of kidney disease. To stop more kidney damage, early intervention is essential! If you have any of the following conditions or are using drugs that may impair kidney function, your doctor could suggest a GFR test: 

• Diabetes
• Hypertension 
• Recurring urinary tract infections 
• Blood in the urine 
• Difficulty with urination 
• Polycystic kidney disease 
• Kidney stones  

Normal Results of the GFR Test 

The GFR normal range for adults is between 90 to 120 mL/min/1.73 m2 however, as GFR declines with age, older individuals will have lower than normal GFR levels. Your doctor can identify the stage of renal failure based on the degree of kidney damage shown by the results of a GFR test. The stages are described below:  

Stage I - 90 or greater GFR (up to 100)  

Your kidneys may be somewhat damaged, but they are still functioning as they should. 

Stage II - GFR between 89 to 60 

Your kidneys are still functioning normally, although you have a little decline in renal function. 

Stage IIIa - GFR between 59 and 45 

Kidney function loss can range from minor to substantial in this range. 

Stage IIIb - GFR between 44 and 30 

You have moderate to severe renal function loss and need treatment to stop it from getting worse. 

Stage IV - GFR between 29 and 15  

Your renal function has severely declined, and your health is seriously compromised.  

Stage V - GFR below 15 

Your kidneys are failing or nearly failing, and immediate medical attention without delay is necessary. 

A lower-than-normal GFR might indicate bodily fluid loss, diseases of the heart or liver that alter the circulatory system and impact the kidneys, insufficient blood supply to the kidneys, obstruction or blockage of the urinary tract system, harm to the kidneys' filtering units and damage to the kidneys' tubules or other tissues.   

Your GFR results may not be accurate if you are younger than eighteen or a senior person, pregnant, possess more muscle than the average person (bodybuilders), have a condition that causes your muscle mass to decrease, are overweight, or have adopted a vegetarian diet.  

Final Remarks  

Your kidneys' ability to filter your blood is measured by the GFR test and everyone needs to remember that monitoring GFR is crucial since variations in its range may indicate renal disease! After evaluating your test results, if necessary, your doctor can develop a treatment plan for you that can involve dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, or medication.  

Give Pathkind Labs a call to take the GFR test and receive accurate results from its cutting-edge testing facility!