eGFR (MDRD) Test
If your lab report shows ‘eGFR (MDRD)’, you’re looking at an estimate of how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. It’s calculated from a simple creatinine test using a formula called the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. This number gives your doctor a quick way to assess kidney function and decide whether further tests are needed. This guide explains what eGFR means, what normal and abnormal results look like, and what to do next — especially if you’re in Bangladesh and have received this test at a local lab.
What Is eGFR (MDRD) and Why Do Doctors Use This Formula?
eGFR stands for estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate — a calculation that tells your doctor how many millilitres of blood your kidneys filter per minute, adjusted for body surface area (mL/min/1.73m²). The MDRD formula uses your serum creatinine level, age, sex, and race (often listed as ‘African American’ or ‘other’ in older equations). Because the formula was developed in people with known CKD, it can underestimate actual kidney function in healthy individuals — meaning someone with normal kidneys might get a slightly lower-than-actual eGFR.
Many Bangladeshi labs still report eGFR using the MDRD equation, though newer guidelines recommend the CKD-EPI formula, which is more accurate at higher filtration rates. If your report says ‘eGFR (MDRD)’, that is what your doctor will interpret. Always discuss your result with a qualified clinician, as the number alone is not a diagnosis.
Who Should Get an eGFR (MDRD) Test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have any of the following risk factors for kidney disease:
- Diabetes (type 1 or type 2) — one of the leading causes of CKD in Bangladesh.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Family history of kidney failure or glomerulonephritis.
- Age over 60 years.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections or kidney stones.
- Long-term use of medications that can harm the kidneys, such as NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen) or certain antibiotics.
- Swelling in the feet or face, foamy urine, or unexplained fatigue.
Early screening is especially important because kidney disease often has no symptoms until it is advanced.
How to Prepare for the Test and What the Report Shows
No fasting is usually required for a creatinine test that calculates eGFR. However, to avoid a falsely high creatinine reading, follow these simple precautions:
- Avoid eating a large amount of meat (especially red meat) or fish (like hilsha) in the 24 hours before the test.
- Skip strenuous exercise or heavy physical labour on the day before the test — muscle breakdown can raise creatinine temporarily.
- Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter painkillers.
A typical Bangladeshi lab report will list ‘Serum Creatinine’ (often in mg/dL or µmol/L) followed by ‘eGFR (MDRD)’ with the calculated value and units (mL/min/1.73m²). Some labs also show a reference range (e.g., ≥90 mL/min/1.73m²). If your creatinine is normal, the lab may skip the eGFR line — so check that your report includes it. If not, ask for the calculation.
Understanding Your eGFR Results: Normal Range and CKD Staging
eGFR results are categorised into five stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The number alone does not confirm kidney damage — it must be combined with other markers such as urine albumin and imaging. Below is the standard staging system used by nephrologists:
| CKD Stage | eGFR (mL/min/1.73m²) | Description | Common Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ≥90 | Normal kidney function, but some evidence of kidney damage (e.g., protein in urine) | Manage underlying cause (e.g., diabetes, BP); monitor annually |
| 2 | 60–89 | Mildly reduced function | Same as stage 1; check urine albumin; lifestyle measures |
| 3a | 45–59 | Mild–moderate reduction | Refer to nephrologist; control BP; avoid nephrotoxic drugs |
| 3b | 30–44 | Moderate–severe reduction | Regular specialist follow-up; treat complications (anaemia, bone disease) |
| 4 | 15–29 | Severe reduction | Prepare for dialysis or transplant; manage fluid/electrolytes |
| 5 | <15 | Kidney failure (end-stage) | Dialysis or kidney transplant |
Important: An eGFR below 60 for three months or more confirms chronic kidney disease. If the number is low, do not panic – stage 3 is still manageable. Discuss the full picture with your doctor, as the MDRD formula may give a lower value than the actual filtration rate, especially in women and older adults.
What Should You Do If Your eGFR Is Low?
If your eGFR is below 60, follow these steps – but always under medical supervision:
- Repeat the test after three months to see if the decline is persistent (acute drops can happen with dehydration or infection).
- Check urine albumin (microalbuminuria or ACR) – the presence of protein indicates kidney damage.
- Have an ultrasound of your kidneys to look for structural issues like stones, cysts, or obstruction.
- Review your medications with a doctor – never stop prescribed drugs (such as ACE inhibitors or diabetes medicines) on your own. Many BP drugs actually protect the kidneys.
- Avoid NSAIDs (diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen) and limit salt intake. Keep blood pressure and blood sugar well controlled.
- Consult a nephrologist if your eGFR is persistently below 60, or earlier if you have symptoms like swelling, shortness of breath, or decreased urination.
Cost of eGFR (MDRD) Test in Bangladesh (Private Labs & Hospitals)
Prices for eGFR (MDRD) testing vary by city, lab quality, and whether you order it alone or as part of a panel. The table below shows approximate ranges – always check with the specific lab before testing.
| Item | Approx. BDT Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| eGFR (MDRD) – standalone test (creatinine + eGFR calculation) | 300 – 800 ৳ | Some labs include eGFR automatically when creatinine is ordered; fee may be higher in Dhaka/Chittagong. |
| Kidney Function Test (KFT) panel (creatinine, BUN, eGFR, electrolytes, etc.) | 600 – 1,500 ৳ | More comprehensive – useful for initial evaluation and monitoring. |
| Urine microalbumin test (additional) | 400 – 900 ৳ | Often recommended alongside eGFR to check for kidney damage. |
Prices change frequently. Confirm with the lab or hospital before registration. Many diagnostic centres in Bangladesh (like Popular, Ibn Sina, Medinova) offer packages that include eGFR.
Find a Doctor to Discuss Your eGFR Result
If your eGFR is low or you need a check-up, start with a general physician (Medicine Specialist) who can evaluate your overall health and refer you to a nephrologist if needed. Many of these doctors also manage hypertension and diabetes, the main causes of kidney problems in Bangladesh. Use the table below to find a qualified doctor in your division.
| Division | Find a doctor |
|---|---|
| Dhaka / ঢাকা | Medicine Specialist in Dhaka |
| Chattogram / চট্টগ্রাম | Medicine Specialists in Chattogram |
| Khulna / খুলনা | Medicine Specialist Doctors in Khulna |
| Rajshahi / রাজশাহী | Top Medicine Specialist Doctors in Rajshahi |
| Rangpur / রংপুর | Best Medicine Specialist Doctors in Rangpur |
| Sylhet / সিলেট | Best Medicine Specialist Doctors in Sylhet |
| Barishal / বরিশাল | Medicine Specialist Specialists in Barishal |
| Mymensingh / ময়মনসিংহ | Popular Medicine Specialist Doctors in Mymensingh |
If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, you may also want to consult a cardiologist, as these conditions are tightly linked to kidney health.
Find doctors by division in Bangladesh
Use the table below to find verified doctors across all eight divisions of Bangladesh.
| Division | Find a doctor |
|---|---|
| Dhaka | Find Cardiologist doctors in Dhaka |
| Chattogram | Top Cardiologist Doctors in Chattogram |
| Khulna | Popular Cardiologist Doctors in Khulna |
| Rajshahi | Top Cardiologist Doctors in Rajshahi |
| Rangpur | Best Cardiologist Doctors in Rangpur |
| Sylhet | Best Cardiologist Doctors in Sylhet |
| Barishal | Top Cardiologist Doctors in Barishal |
| Mymensingh | Popular Cardiologist Doctors in Mymensingh |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between eGFR (MDRD) and other eGFR formulas like CKD-EPI?
The MDRD formula was developed from a study of people with chronic kidney disease. It is widely used and accepted, but may underestimate true kidney function in some groups, especially in people with higher kidney function (above 60 mL/min/1.73m²). The CKD-EPI formula is more accurate for these higher ranges. However, in Bangladesh, many labs still report eGFR using MDRD. Your doctor will interpret the result based on your overall health.
Can my eGFR change from day to day? What factors can temporarily affect it?
Yes, eGFR can fluctuate due to hydration status, diet (especially meat intake before the test), certain medications, acute illness, or even exercise. A single low eGFR does not automatically mean chronic kidney disease. Your doctor may repeat the test after a few weeks to confirm if the reduced value is persistent.
What does a low eGFR mean for my kidney health in the long term?
A consistently low eGFR (below 60 mL/min/1.73m² for three months or more) indicates chronic kidney disease (CKD). The lower the number, the more reduced the kidney function. However, the rate of progression varies. Early detection allows for interventions like blood pressure control, diabetes management, and dietary changes to slow progression. Not everyone with low eGFR will need dialysis; many manage with lifestyle and medication.
Do I need to fast before an eGFR (MDRD) test?
Fasting is not strictly required for a creatinine blood test used to calculate eGFR. However, eating a large amount of cooked meat shortly before the test can transiently raise creatinine levels and slightly lower your eGFR. For most accurate results, it is best to avoid heavy meat meals for 12 hours before the test. Also, stay well hydrated. Always follow any specific instructions given by your lab or doctor.
How often should I repeat an eGFR test if my result is normal or mildly reduced?
If your eGFR is normal (≥90 mL/min/1.73m²) and you have no risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, family history of kidney disease), yearly testing as part of routine check-ups is sufficient. If your eGFR is mildly reduced (60–89) and stable, your doctor may recommend testing every 6–12 months. For moderate to severe reduction (<60), frequency may increase to every 3–6 months or more, depending on the underlying cause and progression. Always follow your physician’s advice.
Sources
The following sources are from international journals, government health agencies, or recognized medical organizations:
- GFR Test – Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org)
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Diagnosis – NHS (nhs.uk)
- MDRD Study Equation – PubMed (Levey et al., 1999) (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- World Health Organization — eGFR (MDRD) Test (who.int)
- MedlinePlus — eGFR (MDRD) Test (medlineplus.gov)
- CDC — eGFR (MDRD) Test (cdc.gov)