Your doctor can determine how well your kidneys are working by calculating your glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
To calculate your GFR, your doctor will use a formula that combines your:
The process in which your kidneys filter your blood to eliminate surplus waste and fluids
The GFR determines how well blood is filtered by your kidneys; this is one way to measure your kidney function. Your doctor will use your GFR to establish the stage of your kidney disease and guide treatment decisions.
Stage | Description | GFR | What this means |
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1 | Kidney damage with normal or high GFR | 90 or above |
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2 | Kidney damage with mildly low GFR | 60–89 |
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3 | Kidney damage with moderately low GFR | 30–59 |
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4 | Kidney damage with severely low GFR | 15–29 |
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5 | Kidney failure | Below 15 |
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Please remember that every chronic kidney disease patient is unique—age, medical condition, physical condition and lifestyle choices. All these factors must be taken into consideration before determining a treatment option according to your CKD stage. You and your doctor will come up with the best course of action for your individual situation.