What is the specificity of the 2021 CKD‑EPI creatinine equation for estimating glomerular filtration rate?

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Specificity of the 2021 CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation

The provided evidence does not contain specificity values for the 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine equation.

What the Evidence Shows About Performance Metrics

The available guidelines and research studies report accuracy, bias, and precision metrics for the 2021 CKD-EPI equation, but do not provide traditional diagnostic test characteristics like specificity or sensitivity. 1

Performance Metrics Actually Reported

The evidence describes the 2021 CKD-EPI equation's performance using different measures:

  • Accuracy metrics (P30): The percentage of estimated GFR values falling within 30% of measured GFR, which ranges from approximately 80-90% depending on the population studied 2, 3

  • Bias: The 2021 CKD-EPI eGFRcr equation demonstrates minimal bias across GFR levels, with median bias ranging from -0.2 to 0.3 mL/min/1.73 m² in validation studies 2, 3

  • Precision: Interquartile ranges of approximately 14-15 mL/min/1.73 m² have been reported 2

  • Classification accuracy: The equation correctly classifies CKD stage in the majority of patients, though exact percentages vary by population 2, 4

Why Specificity Is Not Reported

Specificity is a diagnostic test characteristic that requires a binary outcome (disease present/absent) and a defined threshold. The 2021 CKD-EPI equation is a continuous estimating equation, not a diagnostic test with a single cutoff, which explains why traditional sensitivity and specificity values are not calculated or reported in the validation literature 1, 2, 3

Clinical Implications

The 2021 CKD-EPI equation is recommended for routine use based on its overall accuracy, minimal bias, and appropriate calibration across diverse populations, rather than on specificity values 1

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Performance of the 2021 Race-Free CKD-EPI Creatinine- and Cystatin C-Based Estimated GFR Equations Among Kidney Transplant Recipients.

American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation, 2022

Research

Accuracy of GFR estimating equations based on creatinine, cystatin C or both in routine care.

Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association, 2024

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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