Enter your eGFR from a recent blood test to see your kidney disease stage and what it means.
eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) measures how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. It's calculated from a blood test called serum creatinine, along with your age and sex. Normal eGFR is above 90 mL/min/1.73m².
A single low eGFR doesn't necessarily mean CKD. Your GP will usually repeat the test after 3 months before making a diagnosis, as temporary factors (dehydration, medications, illness) can affect the result.
Albuminuria means protein (albumin) leaking into your urine, which is a sign of kidney damage. It's detected with a urine test (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, or uACR). Even with a normal eGFR, albuminuria indicates CKD and increased cardiovascular risk.
Your GP may check this with a simple urine sample, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
Control blood pressure — this is the single most important thing. Target is usually <130/80 for CKD.
Manage diabetes — keep HbA1c in target range.
Stay hydrated — drink water regularly (unless fluid-restricted).
Avoid NSAIDs — ibuprofen (Nurofen), naproxen, and diclofenac can worsen kidney function. Use paracetamol instead for pain.
Don't smoke — smoking accelerates kidney decline.
Reduce salt — aim for less than 5g per day.
Regular monitoring — your GP will schedule blood and urine tests at intervals based on your stage.
| Stage | eGFR | What it means | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ≥90 | Normal kidney function (with evidence of kidney damage) | Manage risk factors. Monitor annually. |
| 2 | 60–89 | Mildly reduced | BP control, diabetes management. Discuss medication review with your GP. |
| 3a | 45–59 | Mild to moderate | Check calcium, phosphate, PTH. Dose-adjust medications. |
| 3b | 30–44 | Moderate to severe | Consider nephrology referral. Avoid NSAIDs. Review medications. |
| 4 | 15–29 | Severe | Nephrology referral. Prepare for possible dialysis/transplant. |
| 5 | <15 | Kidney failure | Dialysis or transplant needed. |
eGFR alone does not diagnose CKD. CKD requires evidence of kidney damage (albuminuria, structural abnormality, or eGFR <60) persisting for ≥3 months. A single low eGFR should be confirmed with a repeat test.