Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) test

 


1. Objective

The objective of the test was to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using serum creatinine levels, age, sex, and sometimes race, to evaluate kidney function.

2. Principle

The eGFR was calculated using equations such as the CKD-EPI or MDRD formula, which incorporated serum creatinine, patient age, gender, and sometimes ethnicity. It provided an estimate of how well the kidneys filtered waste from the blood.

3. Materials

  • Serum sample (from red or yellow top blood tube)

  • Automated biochemistry analyzer

  • Serum creatinine test reagents

  • Patient demographic data (age, sex, race)

4. Procedure

  1. Serum creatinine was measured using a Jaffe or enzymatic method.

  2. The value was entered into an eGFR equation (CKD-EPI or MDRD) along with patient demographics.

  3. The result was automatically calculated and reported by the analyzer or LIS (Lab Information System).

5. Result (Example)

ParameterValueUnitReference/Interpretation
Serum Creatinine1.4mg/dL-
eGFR (CKD-EPI)58mL/min/1.73 m²Stage 3a Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

6. Uses

  • Assessed renal function in routine health checks

  • Diagnosed chronic kidney disease (CKD)

  • Helped adjust medication dosing (especially nephrotoxic drugs)

  • Monitored progression of kidney disease

7. Conclusion

The eGFR test was a non-invasive, cost-effective screening tool for assessing kidney function, allowing early diagnosis and monitoring of renal impairment, especially in patients with diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.

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