CKD-EPI Creatinine-Cystatin Equation (2012)

eGFR =
135 × min(SCr/κ, 1)α ×
max(SCr/κ, 1)-0.601 ×
min(Scys/0.8, 1)-0.375 ×
max(Scys/0.8, 1)-0.711 ×
0.995Age ×
0.969 [if female] ×
1.08 [if black]

Abbreviations / Units

eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) = mL/min/1.73 m2

SCr (serum creatinine) = mg/dL

Scys (standardized serum cystatin C) = mg/l

κ = 0.7 (females) or 0.9 (males)

α = -0.248 (females) or -0.207 (males)

min(SCr/κ or 1) = indicates the minimum of SCr/κ or 1

max(SCr/κ or 1) = indicates the maximum of SCr/κ or 1

min(Scys/0.8, 1) = indicates the minimum of Scys/0.8, 1

max(Scys/0.8, 1) = indicates the maximum of Scys/0.8, 1

age = years


Clinical Use

  • Designed for use with standardized creatinine values that are calibrated to be IDMS traceable and standardized cystatin C values. To learn more, click here.
  • May provide more accuate estimates in patients with differences in diet, extremes of muscle mass (such as body builders or patients with muscle wasting), or those outside the boundaries of where the MDRD Study equation has been validated.
  • May also prove useful in estimating change in eGFR over time in people with changing muscle mass or diet.
  • May have a role in identifying persons with CKD who have the highest risk for complications.
  • Cystatin C is a basic protein produced by all nucleated cells. It is freely filtered by the glomerulus and reabsorbed and metabolized by tubular cells, with only small amounts excreted in the urine. It is reported to be generated at a relatively constant rate, irrespective of muscle mass.
  • The original formula was reexpressed in 2011 for standardized cystatin C.
  • Developed in 2008 by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI).


  1. Grubb A, Blirup-Jensen S, Lindstrom V, Schmidt C, Althaus H, Zegers I. First certified reference material for cystatin C in human serum ERM-DA471/IFCC. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2010;48(11):1619-1621.
  2. Inker LA, Eckfeldt J, Levey AS, et al. Expressing the CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) cystatin C equations for estimating GFR with standardized serum cystatin C values. Am J Kidney Dis. 2011;58(4):682-684.
  3. Peralta CA, Katz R, Sarnak MJ, et al. Cystatin C identifies chronic kidney disease patients at higher risk for complications. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2011;22(1):147-155.