UNDERSTANDING CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) AND WHY IT IS ON YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS
Kidney function tests are a set of tests that help evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning. These tests measure various substances in your blood, such as minerals, electrolytes, proteins, and glucose. They may be used for general health checks, to assess the risk of kidney disease, or to monitor existing kidney conditions.
You may notice that a Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage has been recorded in your medical records.
Please do not be alarmed this is usual normal practice—this is simply a way for us to monitor your kidney health.
Medical intervention is usually necessary only for Stage 4 CKD or Stage 5 and you would be informed at this stage otherwise you may not hear from us and this is just something recorded on your record.
With us putting this code on your Problem List the electronic patient record automatically enables the team to review your stage but also if we are prescribing any medications for you this information helps us decide if the medicine is suitable for your kidneys.
CKD Stages and eGFR Values:
| Stage |
eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m²) |
Kidney Function |
| 1 |
90 or above |
Normal function but with signs of kidney damage |
| 2 |
60-89 |
Mildly reduced function, with evidence of kidney damage |
| 3A |
45-59 |
Mild to moderate reduction in kidney function |
| 3B |
30-44 |
Moderate to severe reduction in kidney function |
| 4 |
15-29 |
Severely reduced kidney function |
| 5 |
Below 15 |
Kidney failure (end-stage renal disease) |
If you have any concerns or questions about your kidney health, please don't hesitate to contact the practice.
We are here to support you.