GFR Calculator

Basic version

Stage 1 and Stage 2

In Stage 1 and Stage 2 CKD, there are often few symptoms. Early CKD is usually diagnosed when there is:

• High blood pressure
• Higher than normal levels of creatinine or urea in the blood
• Blood or protein in the urine
• Evidence of kidney damage in an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, or contrast X-ray
• A family history of polycystic kidney disease

Stage 3

In Stage 3 CKD, anemia (a shortage of red blood cells) and/or early bone disease may appear and is usually treated to help the patient feel their best and reduce problems down the road.

Stage 4

When CKD has progressed to Stage 4, it's time to begin preparing for dialysis and/or a kidney transplant. If GFR falls below 30 most people need to see a kidney disease specialist (called a nephrologist). The kidney doctor will talk about treatments for kidney failure like dialysis or kidney transplant. A GFR below 15 indicates that one of these treatments is necessary. (Find a kidney disease specialist)

In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys don't usually fail all at once. Instead, kidney disease often progresses slowly, over a period of years. This is good news because, if CKD is caught early, medications and lifestyle changes may help slow its progress and keep a person feeling their best for as long as possible. With early diagnosis, it may be possible to slow, stop, or even reverse CKD, depending on the cause and the circumstances of the patient.