---
title: "What does a low eGFR mean?"
type: biomarker-interpretation
url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/egfr/low"
biomarker: eGFR
direction: low
reference_range:
  - "age 18+: 60.0 – 120 mL/min/1.73m2"
reviewed_at: 2026-09-06
review_status: reviewed
date_published: 2026-09-05
---

# What does a low eGFR mean?

> eGFR estimates how much blood the kidneys filter per minute. Below 60 mL/min/1.73m² suggests reduced kidney function; if it persists for more than three months it meets the definition of chronic kidney disease. A single low value is often dehydration, a high-protein meal, creatine, exercise or a medication effect, so it's repeated — with a urine albumin test — before conclusions are drawn.


## What is the normal range for eGFR?

- age 18+: 60.0 – 120 mL/min/1.73m2

Sustained values below 60 can indicate chronic kidney disease and warrant follow-up.

## What are the common causes of low eGFR?

1. Dehydration or a transient creatinine rise (exercise, creatine, meat)
2. Chronic kidney disease from diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerular disease
3. Medications: NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, diuretics, some antibiotics
4. Urinary obstruction
5. High muscle mass (creatinine-based formulas underestimate eGFR)
6. Normal aging (eGFR declines gradually)

## What symptoms go with low eGFR?

- None until advanced
- Swelling, fatigue, nocturia, foamy urine, high blood pressure

## What do clinicians usually check next?

- Repeat in 2–4 weeks, hydrated and rested
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (the second axis of kidney staging)
- Cystatin C eGFR for confirmation
- Blood pressure, A1c, medication review

KDIGO recommends measuring eGFR (alongside urine albumin) at least once a year in people with chronic kidney disease, and more often at more advanced stages or higher risk — as frequently as every 1–3 months. Adults with diabetes or high blood pressure are generally checked yearly even with normal kidney function.

## How do you recheck eGFR?

| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Kidney Health Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/kidney-health-panel) | Panel (4 tests) | $64.99 | Yes | 2–4 business days |
| [Total Body Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/total-body-panel) | Panel (49 tests) | $499.99 | Yes | 5–10 business days |
| [Renal Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/renal-panel) | Test | $23.99 | No | 2–4 business days |

Plus one $6 lab processing fee per order; physician authorization included.

## Common questions

### What eGFR is chronic kidney disease?

Below 60 mL/min/1.73m² for more than three months, or any eGFR with persistent kidney damage markers such as albuminuria. 60–89 with no other markers is not CKD.

### Can eGFR go back up?

Yes if the cause was transient — dehydration, a drug, an obstruction. Chronic damage doesn't typically reverse, but its progression can be slowed.

## Related

- [eGFR reference ranges](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/egfr)
- [Glucose reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/glucose)
- [Creatinine reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/creatinine)
- [BUN reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/bun)

## Sources

- [National Kidney Foundation](https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/gfr)
- [KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kint.2023.10.018)

---

Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-06. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/editorial-policy

Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/egfr/low
Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt

Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.