frequency of creatinine/eGFR testing

Last reviewed 08/2021

Kidney function should be measured at least annually in the risk groups below:

Previously diagnosed CKD, including

  • polycystic kidney disease
  • reflux nephropathy
  • biopsy-proven chronic glomerulonephritis
  • persistent proteinuria
  • urologically unexplained persistent haematuria

Conditions associated with a high risk of obstructive nephropathy, including

  • known or suspected bladder outflow obstruction
  • neurogenic bladder caused by spina bifida or spinal cord injury (N.B. calculated GFR may overestimate true GFR in these patients because of decreased muscle mass)
  • urinary diversion surgery
  • urinary stone disease due to primary hyperoxaluria, cystinuria, Dent?s disease, infections (with struvite stones), anatomical abnormalities, or a stone episode rate of > 1/y Conditions known to be associated with a high risk of silent development of CKD, including
  • hypertension
  • diabetes mellitus
  • heart failure
  • atherosclerotic coronary, cerebral, or peripheral vascular disease

Conditions requiring long-term treatment with potentially nephrotoxic drugs, including

  • ACEIs and ARBs
  • NSAIDs
  • lithium carbonate
  • mesalazine and other 5-aminosalicylic acid drugs
  • calcineurin inhibitors (Cyclosporin, Tacrolimus)

Multisystem diseases that may involve the kidney, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), vasculitis, myeloma, rheumatoid arthritis

A first degree relative with stage 5 CKD

Minimum frequency of measurement of kidney function according to estimated GFR (2) :

How frequently do you need to measure eGFR?

  • annually in all at risk groups
  • during intercurrent illness and perioperatively in all patients with CKD. Exact frequency should depend on the clinical situation. The frequency of testing may be reduced where eGFR levels remain very stable but will need to be increased if there is rapid progression
  • Stage eGFR range (ml/min/1.73 m^22) Typical frequency of testing
    1 and 2 > 60 + other evidence of kidney disease 12 monthly
    3A and 3B 30-59 6 monthly
    4 15-29 3 monthly
    5 <15 6 weekly

Reference: