Estimated GFR (eGFR) is the preferred method for identifying
people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). eGFR calculated using
the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation
provides a more clinically useful measure of kidney function than serum creatinine alone.
This equation takes into account several factors that impact creatinine production, including age, gender, and race.
Read more about using the correct MDRD Study equation, reducing rounding errors, and when not to use creatinine-based equations to estimate GFR.
NKDEP supports routine reporting of eGFR with all serum creatinine determinations for patients 18 and older, when appropriate and feasible. Serum creatinine is measured frequently, so routine reporting of eGFR can help facilitate early detection of CKD. Where possible, laboratories should program their information systems to use the MDRD Study equation to calculate and automatically report eGFR.
Read more about common problems in reporting and how to report values over 60 mL/min/1.73m2. Also view sample reports.
NKDEP provides eGFR calculators and their equations. Laboratories that do not report eGFR with serum creatinine can direct providers to NKDEP's online and PDA downloadable calculators, enabling them to estimate eGFR on their own. Providers will need to enter the patient's serum creatinine result, age, gender, and race.
In 2007, NKDEP completed a study to determine a national estimate for the prevalence of eGFR reporting among clinical laboratories in the United States and its territories.
For updates from NKDEP on reporting and estimating eGFR, subscribe to the Laboratory Professionals eUpdate.
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