Three things to know

One abnormal result does not always establish chronic kidney disease.
CKD staging considers kidney filtration; urine albumin adds important risk information.
Stage 3 CKD does not automatically mean dialysis is approaching.

Explore the kidney-function categories

Open a category for context. eGFR units: mL/min/1.73 m². These categories do not replace a diagnosis; chronicity and urine findings matter.

G1 · eGFR 90 or above

An eGFR in this range alone does not diagnose CKD. Other persistent evidence of kidney damage is needed.

G2 · eGFR 60–89

A mildly reduced estimate needs context. Other persistent kidney abnormalities are needed to diagnose CKD in this range.

G3a · eGFR 45–59

Moderately reduced filtration. The cause, urine albumin and trend help determine risk and monitoring.

G3b · eGFR 30–44

More substantially reduced filtration within stage 3. Monitoring and treatment remain individualized.

G4 · eGFR 15–29

Severely reduced filtration. Discuss complications, monitoring and timely planning with the kidney team.

G5 · eGFR below 15

Kidney failure range. Dialysis timing depends on symptoms, complications and shared decisions, not this number alone.

What the stages describe

Estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, estimates how well your kidneys filter blood. G1 is 90 or higher; G2 is 60–89; G3a is 45–59; G3b is 30–44; G4 is 15–29; and G5 is below 15, in mL/min/1.73 m². G1 or G2 alone does not establish CKD without other evidence of kidney damage.

Why urine albumin matters

Albumin is a protein normally retained in the blood. A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, or uACR, helps detect leakage. Persistently increased albumin can matter even with a preserved eGFR. Temporary illness, exercise and other factors may affect results, so confirmation and context are important.

Two test results, one clearer picture

eGFREstimates filtration

Urine albuminLooks for kidney damage

TrendShows what is changing

What a care plan may include

Your physician may review the cause, blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, medicines and nutrition. Some people benefit from medicines that protect kidney or heart health, with monitoring tailored to their situation. The plan also checks for complications such as anemia or mineral changes when relevant.

What to track over time

Keep copies of eGFR and urine results, home blood-pressure readings and an updated medication list. Ask how often to repeat testing and which changes should prompt contact. A stable result over years can have a different meaning from a rapid decline, even when the latest stage is the same.

Questions to bring to your visit

What is my eGFR and uACR?
Do we know the cause?
Which changes would alter my care plan?

Common questions

Can I have CKD and feel well?

Yes. Symptoms may be absent, particularly earlier in CKD. Testing and follow-up remain important.

Does stage 3 mean kidney failure?

Stage 3 indicates moderately reduced filtration. Risk varies with the cause, albumin level, trend and other health conditions.

Sources & further reading

Education supports, and does not replace, individual care. Dialysis treatments and transplant evaluations are delivered through the appropriate dialysis programs and transplant centers. External resources do not imply endorsement of AspireMed.