The Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) blood test measures how efficiently your kidneys filter waste from the blood. Low EGFR values can indicate reduced kidney function, often before noticeable symptoms appear.

Because the kidneys play a vital role in regulating proteins, fats, glucose, and overall fluid balance, this test offers valuable insight into both kidney health and broader metabolic function. Impaired kidney efficiency is closely linked with insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance, making EGFR a key marker for understanding long-term health.

This guide explains what it is, how it works, what your results mean, and how you can book a comprehensive blood test to check your Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR).

What is Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR)?

The Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) is a simple blood test that shows how well your kidneys are filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood. Think of your kidneys like a coffee filter—if the filter is working properly, only clean liquid passes through. If it’s clogged or damaged, waste builds up, which can affect your whole body.

EGFR is calculated using your blood creatinine level, age, sex, and sometimes ethnicity. The result is given as a number (mL/min/1.73m²), which represents how much blood your kidneys filter each minute. Higher numbers usually mean healthy kidneys, while lower numbers may suggest reduced kidney function.

Quick facts:

• Normal EGFR is usually 90 or higher.
• An EGFR below 60 for three months or more can indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• The test can detect problems early, often before symptoms appear.

Because the kidneys are central to managing proteins, fats, glucose, and fluid balance, EGFR is more than just a kidney marker—it reflects overall metabolic health. Monitoring EGFR helps doctors catch issues early and guide treatment to protect both kidney and long-term wellbeing.

Why is Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) important?

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) is a cornerstone biomarker in assessing kidney health, metabolic balance, and long-term wellbeing. Your kidneys don’t just filter waste — they regulate fluid balance, electrolytes, and even influence blood pressure and hormone systems like renin–angiotensin. When EGFR declines, it can set off a cascade of metabolic disturbances, including insulin resistance, inflammation, disrupted lipid metabolism, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Because kidneys are integral to clearing metabolic by-products, even mild impairment can quietly undermine metabolic resilience.

EGFR is also a powerful early warning sign. Worldwide, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated at 11–13 % of the population, with most cases remaining undiagnosed in early stages.

In Australia, about 11 % of adults show biomedical signs of CKD based on EGFR and other markers. Reduced EGFR is strongly linked to progression of CKD, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality, and even moderate drops in EGFR raise long-term risk.

By tracking EGFR, clinicians can detect kidney stress before symptoms appear, tailor preventative strategies, and slow decline. It’s a vital litmus test for healthspan and longevity — not just kidney survival, but metabolic vitality too.

When should you get an Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) test?

An Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) blood test is often recommended when there are signs that kidney function or metabolic health may be under strain. Situations where testing may be helpful include:

• Persistent symptoms such as fatigue, swelling in the ankles or around the eyes, changes in urination, or unexplained nausea.
• A family history of kidney disease or inherited conditions that can affect kidney health.
• Living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, which increase the risk of kidney impairment.
• During pregnancy, particularly if there are concerns about pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes.
• As part of a GP referral when other blood tests such as creatinine, urea, or albumin show abnormal results, or when monitoring known kidney disease.

Regular testing helps identify reduced kidney function before symptoms become severe, allowing earlier management and better protection of long-term health.

How does the Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) test work in Australia?

In Australia, the EGFR result is not a standalone blood draw but is automatically calculated when a standard kidney function panel (urea & electrolytes, or “U&E/renal panel”) is ordered. Most pathology providers compute eGFR from your serum creatinine, age, sex and use the CKD-EPI formula as adopted in Australian guidelines.

Preparation and procedure

You typically do not need to fast before the test, since creatinine levels are relatively unaffected by food. The blood is collected into a standard serum tube (same as for general biochemistry tests).

Medicare coverage vs private costs

When ordered by a GP as part of a standard kidney or metabolic health panel, the eGFR component is generally covered under Medicare (i.e. bulk-billed or with Medicare rebate), because it is part of routine biochemistry tests.

At Austin Pathology, for example, the eGFR test is automatically calculated with no out-of-pocket cost for the patient as long as the associated U&E request is covered.

Private providers may charge a “gap” if the pathology request is not fully bulk-billed or if extra tests are added, but the eGFR itself is rarely an extra cost.

How patients can access it via comprehensive panels

If you ask your GP for a kidney health check or a renal/metabolic screen, the eGFR test will normally be included alongside creatinine, urea, electrolytes, and often albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) urine test.

Private health screening packages frequently bundle it into a “kidney function panel” or general health check. Because it is part of standard panels, you rarely have to order eGFR in isolation.

When considering the “EGFR test cost Australia,” note that, in most typical clinical scenarios in Australia, the cost is subsumed into broader pathology billing via Medicare or the pathology provider’s standard fees. Unless extra specialised tests are requested, patients usually face little to no additional charge for the eGFR component itself.

What do my Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) results mean?

Your Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) results tell you how well your kidneys are filtering waste. The number is measured in millilitres per minute per 1.73 square metres (mL/min/1.73m²). A higher number usually means healthy kidneys, while lower values can signal reduced function.

Here’s a simple guide to understanding your results:

Your doctor may also look at related markers such as creatinine, urea, and albumin to get a complete picture of kidney health. If your EGFR is low, these related biomarkers provide important context and help guide the next steps.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) in context with other tests

The Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) gives a useful snapshot of kidney function, but it’s most accurate when considered alongside other related markers. Just like cholesterol tests are often read together (for example, ApoB with LDL and HDL), kidney health relies on multiple results to paint the full picture.

Doctors often review EGFR alongside:

• Serum creatinine: the main marker used to calculate EGFR and detect waste build-up in the blood.
• Urea: another waste product that rises when kidney function declines.
• Albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR): a urine test that shows if protein is leaking into the urine, often an early sign of kidney damage.
• Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride): key for fluid balance, nerve health, and muscle function.

Looking at EGFR in isolation may miss important details. For example, someone with a normal EGFR but elevated ACR could still have early kidney disease. Similarly, changes in creatinine or electrolytes can reveal stress on the kidneys even before EGFR drops.

Together, these tests help identify problems earlier, guide treatment, and monitor progress. For a deeper understanding, see our articles on creatinine, urea, and albumin.

Lifestyle and practical steps to support EGFR

While the Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) reflects kidney function, everyday choices play a big role in protecting and supporting healthy levels. Small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference for both kidney health and overall metabolic balance.

1. Eat a balanced diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fibre-rich foods to support healthy blood pressure and blood sugar. Limit salt, processed foods, and added sugars to reduce kidney strain.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps your kidneys filter waste more effectively.
3. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity like walking, cycling, or swimming most days to improve circulation and protect kidney health.
4. Maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar: Managing these reduces long-term stress on the kidneys and helps slow decline in EGFR.
5. Prioritise sleep: Consistent, quality sleep supports hormone balance and blood pressure regulation.
6. Manage stress: Practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or relaxation techniques lower stress hormones that can indirectly affect kidney function.

Together, these steps create a healthier environment for your kidneys to function well into the future. The best starting point is testing — once you know your levels, you can take personalised steps.

FAQs about the Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) Test in Australia

What is the Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) test used for?

The EGFR test measures how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. It helps detect early kidney disease, monitor existing conditions, and assess overall kidney and metabolic health.

How much does an EGFR test cost in Australia?

If ordered by your GP as part of a kidney function panel, the EGFR test is generally covered by Medicare. If done privately, costs vary by provider but are usually modest.

Do I need a referral for an EGFR test?

Yes, in most cases a GP or specialist referral is needed for Medicare coverage. However, private pathology providers may offer kidney function panels without referral for a fee.

Is the EGFR test covered by Medicare?

Yes, EGFR is automatically calculated when your doctor orders a kidney or renal function test, and this is usually covered under Medicare.

Can I get an EGFR test during pregnancy?

Yes, EGFR can be checked during pregnancy, especially if there are concerns about pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or kidney stress. Your doctor may recommend it if needed.

What are normal EGFR levels?

A normal EGFR is usually above 90 mL/min/1.73m². Values between 60–89 may still be normal depending on age, while results below 60 for three months or more may suggest chronic kidney disease.

What symptoms might prompt an EGFR test?

Doctors may recommend EGFR testing if you have fatigue, swelling in the ankles or around the eyes, changes in urination, or unexplained nausea — all possible signs of kidney issues.

Conclusion

The Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) is one of the most important markers for understanding how well your kidneys are working. By showing how efficiently your body filters waste, it provides a clear window into both kidney function and overall metabolic health. Because kidney problems often develop silently, testing EGFR can detect changes long before symptoms appear, giving you the chance to take action early.

Knowing your EGFR is not just about identifying risks — it’s about empowering yourself with information that supports better health decisions. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, have a family history of kidney disease, or simply want a more complete picture of your wellbeing, tracking EGFR alongside related markers offers valuable insight.

Take control of your health today. Sign up for our comprehensive blood test and get clear insights into your Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) and more than 50 other key markers.

References

• Kidney Health Australia — “Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)” factsheet
• Pathology Tests Explained — “Tests – eGFR (Estimated glomerular filtration rate)
• Jun et al. (2023) — Prevalence of CKD in Australian primary care, using eGFR data
• Venuthurupalli et al. — CKD screening and surveillance in Australia, using GFR estimates‍
• RACGP / Australian Family Physician — article “Chronic kidney disease in the elderly” discussing reduction in eGFR and proteinuria