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GFR Full Form: Glomerular Filtration is a diagnostic parameter related to kidney function. It measures how efficiently your kidneys filter the blood and remove the waste.
GFR values are calculated and estimated based on some other blood parameters, indicating any kidney abnormalities.
To address the issues with chronic kidney disease, GFR tests provide an effective means to identify and evaluate kidney function.
This blog closely examines the GFR full form measurements, its implications and applications, and makes you aware of the desired GFR values so that any major deviations can be addressed effectively.
Full Form of GFR
The full form of GFR is Glomerular Filtration Rate. The kidneys in the human body contain tiny blood vessels called glomeruli. They act as filters to remove the waste and extra water from the blood, which is then excreted from the body.
GFR measures how well your kidneys are functioning to filter your blood. To calculate the GFR, health professionals use the results of a blood test that measures the creatinine level in the blood.
If your kidneys don’t work properly, the creatinine level can increase. Since this test estimates the GFR value through calculation rather than direct measurements, it is often called estimated GFR or eGFR.
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GFR Measurement
Measuring actual GFR level by testing is a complicated process and often impractical. So, healthcare professionals use a formula to estimate it.
The GFR measurement method involves checking the blood’s creatinine level, and calculating the estimated GFR value that represents the efficiency level of your kidneys in filtering the blood. It is expressed as the amount of blood the glomeruli filters per minute.
The higher value indicates better kidney performance. The value starts decreasing, as your kidneys lose the power to perform effectively.
GFR Applications
GFR is used as a diagnostic tool to assess your kidneys’ condition and identify any glomerular-related problem that results in improper blood filtration. Some important GFR applications are given below:
- Diagnosis of kidney disease: It helps to identify kidney disease in people and diagnose the disease in people with symptoms.
- Assess the seriousness: GFR indicates the stage and severity of a chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Monitor CKD: The pattern of GFR values provides inputs for monitoring the progress in people suffering from CKD.
- Medicinal effects: It helps check patients’ kidney condition under certain medications and make adjustments in dosage.
- Predict outcomes: The values indicate the kidney condition before starting treatments and help predict the treatment effectiveness.
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When is the GFR Test Required?
Health professionals often recommend a GFR test when someone is at high risk of developing kidney disease. An early stage of CKD doesn’t always show symptoms, but a GFR can effectively indicate the condition of the kidneys. The health conditions that might lead to CKD are as follows:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Overweight
- Family history of kidney diseases
- Above the age of 60
People with the above complications and characteristics require regular testing of GFR to prevent serious kidney health issues.
An advanced stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can cause symptoms. So, a GFR test may be required if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Frequent urinating
- Urinating less often than usual
- Dry skin and itching
- Feeling tired
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the arms and legs
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
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GFR Values
The calculated values of GFR indicate the extent of kidney health. A GFR value close to 100 indicates fully functional kidneys. The value becomes low as your kidneys develop problems.
If the GFR values consistently remain below 60 for three months, it indicates a chronic kidney disease. The value decreases with age, even if you don’t have kidney disease. The normal range of GFR corresponding to different age groups is given below.
| Age (years) | Average Estimated GFR |
|---|---|
| 20 – 29 | 116 |
| 30 – 39 | 107 |
| 40 – 49 | 99 |
| 50 – 59 | 93 |
| 60 – 69 | 85 |
| 70 and above | 75 |
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GFR Results
A normal GFR value means your kidneys are healthy and functioning well. A value lower than normal is a sign of kidney malfunction. The different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) give different values of GFR. The GFR results indicating the healthiness of the kidney and its function are explained below.
| Stage | GFR value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I | 90 – 99 | Kidneys working well |
| II | 60 – 89 | Minor complications in kidney but no symptoms |
| III | 30 – 59 | Mild or severe kidney damage with symptoms |
| IV | 15 – 29 | Severe loss of kidney function |
| V | Below 15 | Kidney failure |
Preparing for GFR Test
The GFR test involves blood sample collection from the vein of your arm. It is a sensitive test, so you must know how to prepare for the blood test. The guidelines for preparing for this test typically include the following:
- You may be asked not to take solid foods for a few hours before the test.
- Follow doctor’s instructions for not taking certain medicines that can affect the results.
- Follow a diet pattern as advised by your doctor before the blood test.
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Conclusion
GFR’s full form is Glomerular Filtration Rate. It quantifies the functions of your kidneys by matching the creatinine level of your blood, which lets you know whether your kidneys are functioning as desired.
From detecting an early stage of kidney malfunction to indicating severe kidney failure, GFR values provide a useful reference for health professionals to diagnose and treat kidney diseases.
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GFR Full Form Frequently Asked Questions
What parameters are used to calculate GFR?
The parameters used to calculate GFR include creatinine level in blood, age, gender, body weight, etc.
What is the unit of GFR?
The unit of GFR is ml/minute/1.73m2.
Can GFR values exceed 100?
Yes. For young and healthy adults, GFR values range between 100- 120 ml/min/1.73m2
What is cystatin C?
Cystatin C is a protein present in blood which is an index of the kidney function, as measured through GFR test.
