✔ Backed by: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · National Kidney Foundation. Each fact links to its source, and the full list is at the bottom of this post.
You open your patient portal and see a lab report with a line that says “eGFR” and another that says “albumin/creatinine ratio.” There is a number, maybe a little flag, and no explanation. Your next visit is weeks away. What do these numbers mean, and what should you ask?
This post explains the two main kidney tests in plain language so you can walk into your next visit ready to talk. It will not tell you what your own numbers mean for you. Only your care team can do that, because they see your whole health picture. But knowing the basics makes that conversation a lot easier.
Why kidney numbers matter, even when you feel fine
Here is the tricky part about kidney disease: early on, you usually cannot feel it. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says early kidney disease usually does not cause any symptoms, so testing is the only way to know how well your kidneys are working.[1]
That is why so many people do not know they have it. The CDC estimates that about 14% of U.S. adults, or around 37 million people, have chronic kidney disease, and about 9 in 10 adults with it do not know.[2] The CDC also notes these estimates may run a bit high because they are based on a single test. Still, the message is clear: the numbers are worth paying attention to.
Who should be checked
NIDDK lists four groups who should get their kidneys checked: people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure. If you have diabetes, NIDDK says to get checked every year. If you are in one of the other groups, ask your provider how often you should be tested.[1]
Diabetes and high blood pressure are big ones. The CDC estimates that about 4 in 10 adults with diabetes and more than 2 in 10 adults with high blood pressure have chronic kidney disease.[2]
Number one: eGFR, the “how well are they filtering” test
eGFR stands for estimated glomerular filtration rate. That is a mouthful, so think of it as your kidneys’ filtering score. It comes from a blood test that measures creatinine, a waste product. Your lab uses that number, along with other details, to estimate how much blood your kidneys clean.
According to NIDDK, a GFR of 60 or more is in the normal range, and a GFR below 60 may mean kidney disease.[1] NIDDK’s patient tool adds that a GFR of 15 or lower may mean kidney failure.[3]
One result is a snapshot, not the whole movie. Your care team looks at the trend over time and at your other health conditions. That is why one number on its own should be a reason to ask questions, not a reason to panic.
Number two: urine albumin, the “is there leaking” test
The second test looks at your urine. Albumin is a protein that healthy kidneys mostly keep in your blood. When the kidney’s filters are damaged, some albumin can leak into urine. The test is often called UACR, which stands for urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio.
NIDDK says a result of 30 mg/g or less is normal, and more than 30 mg/g may be a sign of kidney disease. If albumin shows up, your provider may repeat the test one or two more times to confirm it.[1] NIDDK’s message to patients is simple: the less albumin in your urine, the better.[3]
A helpful way to remember the two tests: eGFR tells you how much filtering is happening. Urine albumin tells you whether the filters show signs of damage. NIDDK uses both together to check for kidney disease.[3] Many people only get the blood test. If you are in one of the groups above, it is fair to ask whether you should have the urine test too.
You can say: “I see my eGFR on my lab report, but I don’t see a urine albumin test. Should I have one?”
Protecting your kidneys between visits
NIDDK has a few practical habits for people who want to keep their kidneys safe.[4] Keep an up-to-date list of your medicines and supplements in your wallet, and bring it or your pill bottles to every visit. Before you buy a new product at the pharmacy, ask the pharmacist how it may affect your kidneys or interact with your other medicines. And plan ahead for sick days, so you know what to do if you get a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. One question NIDDK suggests asking: “If I need to stop medicines when I’m sick, when can I restart them?”
Pain relievers deserve special attention. The National Kidney Foundation explains that NSAIDs, a group of pain relievers that includes ibuprofen and naproxen, lower blood flow to the kidneys. It advises people with chronic kidney disease to talk with a healthcare professional before using them, and to check labels, because NSAIDs are often hidden in combination cold and cough products.[5] Please do not stop or change any prescribed medicine on your own. Bring your questions to your prescriber or pharmacist.
Tru-Tips: Make a tiny “kidney numbers” note on your phone. Each time you get labs, jot down the date, your eGFR, and your urine albumin result if you had one. After a year or two, you and your care team can see the trend at a glance.
Questions to bring to your next visit
- What were my most recent eGFR and urine albumin results, and how do they compare to last time?
- Do I have chronic kidney disease? If so, what stage?
- How often should I be tested?
- Are any of my medicines or supplements hard on my kidneys?
- Which pain relievers are safest for me?
- Should I see a kidney specialist (nephrologist)?
One Tru Step: Log in to your patient portal or call your clinic and ask for your last two kidney test results. Write them down next to the dates, and add one question from the list above to ask at your next visit.
Let’s talk
Have you ever found a number in your lab results that you did not understand? How did you get it explained? Share what worked for you in the comments.
Sources and further reading
- NIDDK: Chronic Kidney Disease Tests and Diagnosis
- CDC: Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States, 2023
- NIDDK: Explaining Your Kidney Test Results
- NIDDK: Keeping Kidneys Safe
- National Kidney Foundation: Pain Medicines and Kidney Disease
Sources checked October 28, 2026. General education; individual care and coverage questions require an appropriate professional.
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