Your kidney function result explained in plain English — what the number means, what’s normal, and what to ask your GP.
📋 Sources: KDIGO 2024 CKD Guidelines — kdigo.org ↗. KHA-CARI Guidelines — kidney.org.au ↗. RCPA Reference Ranges — rcpa.edu.au ↗. Kidney Health Australia — kidney.org.au ↗. Your GP interprets your result in the context of your full clinical picture. This page provides general information only.
🇦🇺 Australian reference ranges · KHA-CARI & RCPA
ℹ️ This page explains what eGFR means. Your GP interprets your result in the context of your full clinical picture — a number alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
The quick answer
eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) is a measure of how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. It is calculated from your blood creatinine level, your age, and your sex. RCPA · KHA-CARI
≥60
Normal range
<60
May need follow-up
⚠️ One low result is not a diagnosis. CKD is only diagnosed when eGFR is below 60 or signs of kidney damage persist for 3 months or more. A single low reading can be caused by dehydration, illness, or certain medications. KDIGO 2024
What does my result mean?
Tap your approximate eGFR range.
CKD stages — tap each for details
eGFR ≥9060–8945–5930–4415–29<15
Stage 1 — eGFR ≥90 — Normal or high kidney function
Stage 1 CKD means eGFR is normal but there are other signs of kidney damage (e.g. protein in urine, blood in urine, structural abnormality on imaging). Without these signs, eGFR ≥90 is simply normal. Most people at this stage have no symptoms. KDIGO 2024
Stage 2 — eGFR 60–89 — Mildly decreased
Kidney function is mildly reduced but may still be within normal range for older adults. Stage 2 CKD requires evidence of kidney damage alongside the eGFR. Monitoring with annual blood and urine tests is typically recommended. No specific treatment usually needed at this stage. KDIGO 2024 · KHA-CARI
Stage 3a — eGFR 45–59 — Mildly to moderately decreased
This is the most common stage of CKD in Australia, particularly in older adults. Most people have no symptoms. Your GP will monitor blood pressure, protein in urine, and look for reversible causes (medications, blood pressure, diabetes). Review of medications that may affect kidneys is important. Kidney Health Australia · KHA-CARI
Stage 3b — eGFR 30–44 — Moderately to severely decreased
Kidney function is significantly reduced. Your GP will likely refer you to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) at this stage, or consider referral if the eGFR is declining. Management of blood pressure and diabetes becomes critical to slow progression. Some medications need dose adjustment. KDIGO 2024 · KHA-CARI
Stage 4 — eGFR 15–29 — Severely decreased
At this stage, specialist nephrology involvement is standard. Preparation for kidney replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant) may begin. Symptoms may start to appear including fatigue, fluid retention, and changes in urination. Medication review is essential. KDIGO 2024 · KHA-CARI
Stage 5 — eGFR <15 — Kidney failure
Kidney function is severely impaired. Kidney replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant) or conservative management is considered. This stage is managed by a specialist team, not in general practice alone. Palliative care options are also discussed for appropriate patients. KDIGO 2024 · Kidney Health Australia
Common questions
Why does my report say “>90” instead of a number?
When eGFR is 90 or above, Australian labs report it as “>90” because there is no meaningful clinical difference between 95 and 115 at this level. It simply means your kidney function is in the normal range. RCPA
Does eGFR decline with age?
Yes. eGFR naturally decreases with age — by approximately 1 mL/min/1.73m² per year from age 40. An eGFR of 55 in an 85-year-old may be less clinically significant than the same result in a 45-year-old. Your GP considers your age and trend over time. KHA-CARI
What is the ACR on my blood test?
ACR (Albumin to Creatinine Ratio) is a urine test that measures protein leakage from the kidneys. It is used alongside eGFR to stage CKD. A normal ACR is below 3 mg/mmol. Elevated ACR can indicate kidney damage even when eGFR is normal. RCPA · KDIGO 2024
What can cause a temporarily low eGFR?
Dehydration, recent illness, strenuous exercise, or certain medications (NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, contrast dye) can cause a temporary drop. This is why a single result needs to be confirmed with a repeat test before diagnosing CKD. KHA-CARI · KDIGO 2024
What can I do to protect my kidneys?
Keep blood pressure controlled (target <130/80 with CKD), manage diabetes well, stay hydrated, avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) regularly, and attend regular GP monitoring. Smoking cessation also significantly slows CKD progression. Kidney Health Australia · KHA-CARI