eGFR Lab Results Explained: Normal Range & What Low eGFR Means
Also known as: Estimated GFR, kidney function test, GFR blood test
eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is a calculation that estimates how much blood your kidneys filter each minute, based on your blood creatinine level, age, and sex. It's the main number used to stage kidney health. A normal eGFR is 90 or above (mL/min/1.73m²); a value under 60 that persists for three months or more suggests chronic kidney disease.
eGFR normal range
| Category | Range (mL/min/1.73m²) |
|---|---|
| Normal / healthy | ≥ 90With no other signs of kidney damage |
| Mildly reduced (G2) | 60–89Often normal for age; not disease by itself |
| Mild–moderate (G3a) | 45–59 |
| Moderate–severe (G3b) | 30–44 |
| Severely reduced (G4) | 15–29 |
| Kidney failure (G5) | < 15 |
Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Use the range printed on your own report as the definitive comparison.
What high eGFR can mean
- A high eGFR is generally not a concern
- Very high values can occasionally reflect low muscle mass or measurement variation
What low eGFR can mean
- Chronic kidney disease (when persistently under 60)
- Dehydration or acute illness (can temporarily lower eGFR)
- Aging (eGFR naturally declines modestly with age)
- Certain medications affecting the kidneys
What to do about an abnormal result
- A single low eGFR isn't a diagnosis — it must persist for 3+ months to indicate chronic kidney disease.
- Stay hydrated before testing; dehydration can transiently lower the number.
- Ask your doctor about a urine albumin (ACR) test, which is checked alongside eGFR.
- Control blood pressure and blood sugar, the two biggest drivers of kidney decline.
Understand your own results
Vero reads your uploaded labs and explains what your specific numbers mean — in the context of your health history, medications, and goals. Not generic ranges. Yours.
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Frequently asked questions
Is an eGFR of 60 bad?
An eGFR of 60 is at the border of the normal range. On its own it is often not a concern, especially in older adults, but if it stays below 60 for three months or is paired with protein in the urine, it may indicate early chronic kidney disease.
Can eGFR go back up?
Yes, in many cases. eGFR that dropped due to dehydration, medication, or acute illness often recovers once the cause is addressed. Chronic decline from long-standing kidney disease is harder to reverse but can be slowed.
What lowers eGFR temporarily?
Dehydration, a high-protein meal or creatine supplements before testing, certain medications (like NSAIDs), and acute illness can all temporarily lower eGFR.
Related biomarkers
Medically reviewed by Antonieta Rueda, MD and Ayham Shneker, MD · Last reviewed July 6, 2026
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your lab results.