Definition & Meaning of "glomerular filtration rate"

What is "glomerular filtration rate"?

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure of how well the kidneys are working to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. It guesses how fast blood is filtered through the glomeruli, which are tiny filtering units in the kidneys. The GFR is usually calculated using a blood test that measures the levels of creatinine, a waste product. A normal GFR suggests healthy kidney function, while a lower GFR may be a sign of kidney problems or damage. Additionally, a high GFR can sometimes suggest conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, where the kidneys are working harder than normal. Monitoring GFR helps doctors diagnose and manage conditions related to kidney health.