Doctors measure the blood creatinine level as a test of kidney function. The kidneys’ ability to handle creatinine is called the creatinine clearance rate, which helps to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) — the rate of blood flow through the kidneys.
To assess kidney function and diagnose, stage, and monitor chronic kidney disease (CKD).
GFR 90 or greater (normal kidney function) GFR 60-89 (mild decline in kidney function) GFR 45 – 59 (mild to moderate decline in kidney function) GFR 30 – 44 (moderate to severe decline in kidney function) GFR 15-29 (severe decline in kidney function) GFR less than 15 (kidney failure, usually requiring dialysis)
