kidney function factsheet

what does the kidney do?

The main function of the kidney is to filter and purify the blood.   It also has other hormone-like functions and is involved in blood pressure regulation.

what is new in your blood report?

The Doctors Laboratory now estimates the Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) which is a gauge of the efficiency of the kidney function in cleansing the body fluids.

how are the results calculated?

A formula is used which combines the patient's age, gender and their serum creatinine levels.   This gives an estimated figure for the GFR which, while not being as accurate as more complex examinations, it certainly gives a good guide to kidney function.

what do the results mean?

In general good health the eGFR should be 60 or more, but it does tend to rise with increasing age; this normal level is 50 for African-Caribbean patients.

The eGFR cannot be applied to children less than 18 years, in patients with extremes of body size, pregnancy and some nutrition situations.

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