Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Analgesia team
What is Normal GFR
GFR stands for glomerular filtration rate, which is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. A GFR test checks for kidney disease by measuring how much blood your kidneys filter each minute.
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What it is
GFR is the rate at which blood passes through the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys that remove waste and extra water from your blood.
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How it’s measured
GFR can be measured directly, but it’s complicated, so health care providers usually estimate it using a blood test that measures creatinine levels.
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What’s normal GFR
A normal GFR for an adult male is 90 to 120 mL/min, but it varies by age.
GFR stages-
- Stage 1: GFR of 90 or higher, with few or no symptoms
- Stage 2: GFR of 60–89, which may be normal for some people without kidney damage
- Stage 3: GFR of 30–59, which can cause anemia, high blood pressure, and early bone disease
- Stage 4: GFR of 15–29, which indicates severe kidney disease
- Stage 5: GFR of 15 or lower, which indicates end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
GFR and kidney disease- A GFR below 60 for three months or more indicates chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- A GFR of 15 or lower indicates kidney failure, which requires immediate medical attention
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What it indicatesA decreased GFR can indicate kidney disease, as damaged kidneys can’t filter blood as well.