eGFR: what your result means.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is the standard measure of kidney function, calculated from blood creatinine, age and sex. It estimates how many millilitres of blood your kidneys filter each minute.

Why eGFR matters

Kidney function declines silently. Symptoms typically appear only after most function is lost. Landmark cohort data show that cardiovascular risk and mortality begin rising as eGFR falls below 60, making early detection and annual tracking one of the most underrated moves in preventative medicine.

Associated risks when out of range: Chronic kidney disease. Cardiovascular mortality risk.

What the clinical evidence shows

The evidence base behind how the HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library interprets eGFR, from randomised trials, prospective cohorts and genetic (Mendelian randomisation) studies. Full citations in the reference list below.

• Kaiser cohort (Go et al. NEJM 2004): in ~1.1 million adults, death and cardiovascular events rose steadily as eGFR fell below 60. Kidney function proved to be one of the strongest population predictors of cardiovascular risk.
• CKD Prognosis Consortium (The Lancet 2010): pooled data from over 1.2 million participants confirmed eGFR below ~60 and albuminuria each independently predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, the evidence base for the KDIGO staging used worldwide.
• KDIGO guidelines (Kidney International 2024): current international standards define CKD by sustained eGFR reduction and/or albuminuria for over 3 months, and set the monitoring cadence preventative panels follow.

Evidence-based reference ranges

The HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library interprets eGFR against published clinical authority standards, never arbitrary "optimal" ranges. Measured in mL/min/1.73m²:

Band	Range (mL/min/1.73m²)
Optimal	≥90 mL/min/1.73m²
Mildly reduced	60–89 mL/min/1.73m²
Moderately reduced	45–59 mL/min/1.73m²
Severely reduced	<45 mL/min/1.73m²

Clinical interpretation

• Calculated from creatinine, age, and sex, not a direct measurement.
• eGFR overestimates kidney function in sarcopenic or low-muscle-mass individuals.
• Cystatin C-based eGFR is more accurate in athletes and those with unusual muscle mass.
• KDIGO requires chronicity: CKD diagnosis requires abnormalities persisting for at least 3 months. A single low eGFR reading does not confirm CKD. Repeat testing is essential.

What improves it: the evidence-based levers

• BP control
• Glycaemic control
• Avoid nephrotoxins
• Clinical review if <60

Recommended testing frequency: Annual, as part of a comprehensive panel. Single markers are always interpreted in context.

How eGFR testing works at HodieLabs

eGFR is measured in every Health Blueprint at our Melbourne Preventative Health & Longevity Clinic, interpreted by a doctor against the guideline-cited ranges above and tracked over time through your HodieLabs membership.

References

1. Go AS, et al. Chronic kidney disease and the risks of death, cardiovascular events, and hospitalization. N Engl J Med. 2004;351:1296–1305.
2. Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium. Association of estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in general population cohorts. Lancet. 2010;375:2073–2081.
3. KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney Int. 2024;105(4S):S117–S314.

This page is general information from the HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library, not medical advice. Speak with your GP about what testing and care is appropriate for you.