Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

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Glomerular filtration is the process by which the kidneys filter the blood, removing excess wastes and fluids. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a calculation that determines how well the blood is filtered by the kidneys, which is one way to measure remaining kidney function.

Glomerular filtration rate is usually calculated using a mathematical formula that compares a person's size, age, sex, and race to serum creatinine levels. A GFR under 60 mL/min/1.73 m² may indicate kidney disease-the lower the GFR number, the worse the kidney function. This number is an estimate. It may not be a good measure of kidney health in some people, such as the very young or very old, amputees, or obese people.

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For more information on kidney disease, see the topic Chronic Kidney Disease.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 12, 2008

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