Staging Kidney Performance Based on Filtration Capacity
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is staged based on the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), which indicates how efficiently your kidneys filter waste products.
The Five Stages of CKD
- Stage 1 (GFR ≥ 90): Normal kidney function but with early signs of damage (like protein in urine).
- Stage 2 (GFR 60-89): Mild reduction in filtration capacity.
- Stage 3 (GFR 30-59): Moderate kidney damage. Divided into 3A and 3B. Early specialist intervention is critical here.
- Stage 4 (GFR 15-29): Severe reduction in function. Planning for dialysis or transplant begins.
- Stage 5 (GFR < 15): Kidney failure. Requires active renal replacement therapy.
Routine monitoring: Simple blood tests tracking creatinine and urine microalbumin ratios can detect early kidney strain.