Implementation of the routine reporting of eGFR in Australia and New Zealand

The reporting of an eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) with every requested serum creatinine concentration measurement has been successfully introduced as routine practice in Australia and New Zealand. This change in laboratory practice has been linked with a major educational initiative in the diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease as well as standardization of a range of laboratory measurement and reporting issues. The process has been collaborative between renal physicians, chemical pathologists and laboratory scientists and their respective professional bodies, and the relevant decisions have been made collectively on the best available evidence. The initial guidelines were released in August 2005 and these have been followed up in 2007 with further recommendations to address issues arising since that time.