EGFR Test - Purpose, Low High Normal Range, Full Form, Price

A kidney contains glomeruli which are tiny filters that assist in removing toxins and other wastes from the blood. The estimated glomerular filtration rate test shows the functioning of these glomeruli. Healthy individuals often have higher numbers on the eGFR test, while patients with kidney diseases have low eGFR. 

In most cases, symptoms of kidney diseases and failures are visible only when 30 to 40% of the kidneys have stopped functioning. This further leads to complicated health conditions and results in severe kidney deterioration. 

Opting for an estimated glomerular filtration rate test can help identify issues in the kidney functioning early on, allowing the doctors to treat the patient towards the prevention of kidney failures. Some of the key purposes of eGFR include the following:

1. Early detection and monitoring of kidney disease: eGFR can help identify early signs of kidney disease before symptoms occur, allowing for early intervention and management.
2. Assessment of kidney function: eGFR can help assess the severity and progression of kidney disease, as well as monitor the effects of treatment.
3. Adjustment of medication dosages: Certain medications are cleared from the body by the kidneys, and eGFR can help determine appropriate dosages to prevent toxicity.
4. Risk assessment: Low eGFR values are associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, so monitoring eGFR can help identify individuals at higher risk.

The eGFR blood test normal range is typically between 90 to 120 mL/min/1.73 m2. However, this range can vary depending on age, sex, and other factors, and individual results should be interpreted in the context of the individual's medical history and other clinical information.

Low eGFR Blood Test: Causes

A low eGFR blood test result indicates that the kidneys may not be functioning optimally. There are several possible causes of a low eGFR, including:

1. Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
2. Diabetes
3. High blood pressure
4. Autoimmune disorders such as lupus
5. Kidney infections or inflammation
6. Polycystic kidney disease
7. Congenital kidney abnormalities
8. Certain medications or toxins
9. Dehydration

High eGFR Blood Test: Causes

A eGFR blood test high result indicates that the kidneys may be functioning at a higher than the normal rate. There are several possible causes of a high eGFR, including:

1. Pregnancy
2. Obstruction of the urinary tract
3. Kidney infection
4. Certain medications or supplements that increase blood flow to the kidneys
5. Overhydration or excess fluid intake
6. Vigorous exercise before the test

Preparing for an eGFR test involves a few simple steps to ensure accurate results. Some important preparations for an eGFR test include:

1. Fasting: Depending on the specific test ordered, fasting may be required for a certain amount of time before the test. Follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
2. Medications: Some medications can affect eGFR results, so inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are taking before the test.
3. Hydration: Adequate hydration is important for accurate eGFR results, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids before the test.
4. Time of day: eGFR levels can fluctuate throughout the day, so it is often recommended to have the test performed at the same time of day for consistency.
5. Other factors: Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that may cause dehydration or affect kidney function before the test.

Following any instructions provided by your healthcare provider and staying hydrated can help ensure accurate eGFR test results.

Human bodies make and consume a chemical called creatine that provides energy to the muscles. The muscle tissues tend to break down after using the energy and release a toxin known as creatinine into the blood. 

The kidneys filter out this toxin from one's blood and excrete it from the body with urine. Since the accurate GFR test is extremely complex and is opted for only in the case of kidney transplants, most healthcare providers leverage a formula to get an estimated GFR measure. 

To get this estimated rate, doctors use a serum creatinine blood test and consider factors like age, sex and weight to determine the correct number. The serum creatinine blood test is helpful in indicating the amount of creatinine in one's blood. 

As the test is extremely sensitive, patients must strictly adhere to the guidelines shared by doctors in order to achieve as accurate results as possible. This can include fasting for one day, being on a liquid diet, or preventing specific medications. 

The test is typically performed in a clinical laboratory setting and involves the following steps:

1. The healthcare provider will typically ask about any medications, supplements, or health conditions that may affect the test results.
2. The healthcare provider will clean the area of the arm where the blood will be drawn with an antiseptic solution.
3. A small needle is inserted into a vein in the arm, and blood is drawn into a collection tube.
4. The needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding.
5. The blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
6. The laboratory will use a mathematical formula that takes into account the person's age, sex, and race to estimate the eGFR.
7. The laboratory may also test for other substances in the blood, such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which can provide additional information about kidney function.
8. Results are typically reported in mL/min/1.73 m², which is a measure of how much blood the kidneys can filter per minute per square meter of body surface area.

After an eGFR test, patients can generally resume their normal activities. There are typically no restrictions on diet or exercise after the test. However, patients may experience mild discomfort or bruising at the site of the needle stick, which should resolve within a few days. 

It is important to follow up with the healthcare provider to discuss the results of the eGFR test and any next steps, such as additional testing or treatment, if necessary. If the eGFR test results indicate an underlying kidney disease or other health condition, the healthcare provider may recommend changes to diet, medications, or other lifestyle factors to help manage the condition.

Different stages of kidney disease can be determined based on the measure given by the eGFR test. The following table takes a closer look at the individual test readings and their indications. 

It is interesting to note that the results of the eGFR blood test tend to vary, depending on certain factors. These often influence the estimated rate at which one's kidneys purify the blood. Below are the most highlighted factors that impact the eGFR test results:

1. Diabetes: High blood sugar in diabetic patients comes in the way of the functions performed by the small blood vessels in one's kidneys. This severely impacts the effectiveness of kidneys and tends to produce low numbers on the eGFR test. 
2. Obesity: Being overweight can hamper multiple organs' functioning, and kidneys are one of them. Patients with obesity also carry a risk of possible kidney diseases, and a dedicated eGFR examination can indicate the onset of the condition. 
3. Age: The measure of eGFR tends to dip with age. It is often a lower number for patients over the age of 60 and above. This is why most aged people struggle with kidney diseases. 
4. High Blood Pressure: Patients with high blood pressure often stand at risk of severe kidney diseases. This is likely to be reflected in the eGFR test and help providers identify the stage at which the kidneys are functioning. 

Conducting the estimated glomerular filtration rate test along with regular body checkups is vital to spot the development of kidney diseases at an early stage. Based on this, doctors can plan necessary treatment to slow down or prevent further damage to the kidneys. Failing to do so can have severe outcomes, leading the patient to the path of dialysis or kidney transplant. 

Table: Establishing the different stages of kidney diseases based on eGFR number

The eGFR blood test is not an expensive test in India. It usually costs around ₹ 350 and provides you with credible results. However, the GFR test can be complicated and expensive. Based on the eGFR number, one must plan the further course of action and take necessary consultation to prevent the kidney disease from spreading. 

The eGFR test cost can vary depending on a number of factors. Some of the factors that can affect the cost of the test include:

1. Location: The cost of the test can vary depending on the geographic location of the laboratory or healthcare facility where the test is performed.
2. Health insurance: The cost of the test may be covered by health insurance, which can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients. However, the specific coverage and cost-sharing requirements may vary depending on the patient's insurance plan.
3. Additional tests: Depending on the healthcare provider's recommendation, additional tests may be performed along with the eGFR test, which can increase the overall cost.
4. Laboratory fees: The laboratory that performs the eGFR test may charge a fee for the test, which can vary depending on the specific laboratory and location.
5. Provider fees: In addition to the laboratory fees, healthcare providers may charge a fee for performing the test or for interpreting the results.

Kidney damage can become a life-threatening condition, and thus, it is essential to identify the onset of the disease early on. The eGFR blood test can help get an indicative measure of your kidney functions and spot possible degrees of damage to the organ. 

Based on the eGFR number, you can consult with the doctor to decide on the next step for dedicated treatment. An extremely low number may indicate severe kidney failure and call for an immediate transplant as well. 

Our professionals at HexaHealth understand your specific concerns and serve you with a seamless experience for getting medical tests done with ease. We ensure complete hygiene and provide accurate results to lead you the right way. Speak to our expert teams and take your first step towards achieving a healthy body.