Kidney results explained

Kidney results come in pairs: a blood test and a urine test. Together they give a code like G3aA2. Here is what yours means.

Your details

eGFR 52 and ACR 4.0 mg/mmol

G3aA2

high risk group on the NICE grid

GFR groupG3a (mildly to moderately reduced)
ACR groupA2
NICE minimum eGFR checks a year for this box1
Risk on the NICE gridhigh

The grid shows how the two results combine: lower eGFR and more protein in the urine each add risk, and together they multiply it. It is a guide for planning check ups, not a verdict, and it only applies when results have been steady for 3 months or more.

Your GP or kidney team will usually talk through this group with you, including blood pressure and medicines that protect the kidneys. Ask for that chat if it has not happened.

The working

eGFR 52 and ACR 4

An eGFR of 52 is G3a (45 to 59). An ACR of 4 mg/mmol is A2 (3 to 30). Together that is G3aA2, the high risk box on the NICE grid, with at least 1 eGFR check a year suggested. "High risk" here means a higher chance of problems over years, not that something is happening now.

The grid

How the two combine

	A1: under 3	A2: 3 to 30	A3: over 30
G1 and G2	low	moderate	high
G3a	moderate	high	very high
G3b	high	very high	very high
G4 and G5	very high	very high	very high

Minimum checks

How often eGFR is usually checked

	A1	A2	A3
G1 and G2	0 to 1 a year	1	1 or more
G3a	1	1	2
G3b	1 to 2	2	2 or more
G4	2	2	3
G5	4	4 or more	4 or more

Your GP may check more often if things change, you start a new medicine or you are unwell.

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

Use one resultCategories need results that have been steady for 3 months or more.
Predict your futureMany people with early kidney disease never get worse.
Replace the KFREYour team may use the Kidney Failure Risk Equation for a 5 year estimate.

Questions

Common questions

What does G3aA1 mean?

eGFR 45 to 59 with little or no protein in the urine. It is the moderate risk box, and NICE suggests at least one eGFR check a year.

Is CKD stage 3 serious?

It is common, especially in older adults, and many people stay stable. Blood pressure, sugar control and not smoking all help protect the kidneys.

Can my category improve?

Yes. eGFR can go up after an illness passes, and ACR often falls with good blood pressure control and some medicines.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

Talk your results through

If a result worries you, book a chat with your GP or practice nurse, or ask a pharmacist. Call NHS 111 if you feel unwell and are not sure what to do, and 999 in an emergency.