Key Tests in a Kidney Panel
| Test | Normal Value | What It Shows |
|---|---|---|
| eGFR | ≥60 mL/min/1.73m² | Estimated glomerular filtration rate — kidney filtering capacity |
| Creatinine | 60–110 μmol/L | Muscle waste product cleared by kidneys — rises when GFR falls |
| Urea | 2.5–7.8 mmol/L | Nitrogen waste from protein metabolism — less specific than creatinine |
| Urine ACR (albumin:creatinine ratio) | <3 mg/mmol | Protein leak into urine — early kidney damage marker |
| Urine PCR (protein:creatinine ratio) | <15 mg/mmol | More complete urine protein measurement |
| Cystatin C | 0.5–1.0 mg/L | Alternative GFR marker; less affected by muscle mass |
CKD Staging by eGFR
| CKD Stage | eGFR (mL/min/1.73m²) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| G1 | ≥90 (with kidney damage markers) | Normal GFR but kidney damage present |
| G2 | 60–89 | Mildly reduced |
| G3a | 45–59 | Mildly-moderately reduced |
| G3b | 30–44 | Moderately-severely reduced |
| G4 | 15–29 | Severely reduced — plan for renal replacement therapy |
| G5 | <15 | Kidney failure — dialysis or transplant |
eGFR + ACR TogetherCKD is diagnosed by either low eGFR OR evidence of kidney damage (raised ACR, blood/protein in urine, structural abnormality). An eGFR of 55 with ACR of 10 is worse prognosis than eGFR 55 with normal ACR.
Is eGFR 55 serious?
eGFR 55 (CKD stage G3a) represents mildly-to-moderately reduced kidney function. Many people remain stable for years. Control of blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding nephrotoxic drugs, and annual monitoring are key.
Can creatinine be high without kidney disease?
Yes — high muscle mass (bodybuilders, young men) raises creatinine without kidney disease. Dehydration also temporarily raises creatinine. Cystatin C is more reliable in these situations.
What causes protein in urine?
Common causes: diabetes (diabetic nephropathy), hypertension, glomerulonephritis, UTI (transient), pre-eclampsia in pregnancy, multiple myeloma, and nephrotic syndrome.
What makes CKD progress faster?
Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension are the biggest accelerators. NSAIDs, iodinated contrast agents, dehydration, and nephrotoxic antibiotics (aminoglycosides) also worsen kidney function acutely.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.