What has the highest specific gravity?

Answer 1

On Earth, the material Osmium has the highest density at 22.59 g/cm3 and hence the highest specific gravity (as specific gravity is the density of a material relative to a reference material - commonly water).

Answer 2

URINE.... Why: Because the specific gravity of distilled water is 1.000, 1ml weighs 1g. Since urine contains dissolved solutes, urine weighs more than water, and urine's customary specific gravity ranges from 1.001 to 1.030.

Answer 3

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Urine specific gravity is a laboratory test that measures the concentration of all chemical particles in the urine.

See also:

• Urine concentration test
• Urine osmolality
• Urinalysis

How the Test is PerformedThe test requires a clean-catch urine sample. For information on how to collect this urine sample, see: Clean-catch urine culture How to Prepare for the TestYour health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test. Drugs that can increase specific gravity measurements include dextran and sucrose. Receiving intravenous dye (contrast medium) for an x-ray exam up to 3 days before the test can also interfere with results.

Eat a normal, balanced diet for several days before the test.

How the Test Will FeelThe test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort. Why the Test is PerformedThis test helps evaluate your body's water balance and urine concentration. Normal ResultsNormal values are between 1.000 to 1.030.

The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results MeanIncreased urine specific gravity may be due to:

• Addison's disease (rare)
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea that causes dehydration
• Glucosuria
• Heart failure (related to decreased blood flow to the kidneys)
• Renal arterial stenosis
• Shock
• Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

Decreased urine specific gravity may be due to:

• Aldosteronism (very rare)
• Excessive fluid intake
• Diabetes insipidus - central
• Diabetes insipidus - nephrogenic
• Kidney failure
• Renal tubular necrosis
• Severe kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Complicated UTI (pyelonephritis)
• High blood sodium level (hypernatremia)
• Low blood sodium level (hyponatremia)
• Excessive urination

ConsiderationsOsmolality is a more specific test for urine concentration. However, the specific gravity measurement is easier and more convenient and usually part of a routine urinalysis. It frequently makes the osmolality measurement unnecessary. Alternative NamesUrine density ReferencesLandry DW, Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 116. Update Date: 8/21/2011Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Browse the Encyclopedia

MedlinePlus Topics

• Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
• Urine and Urination
• Acute kidney failure
• Acute tubular necrosis
• Dehydration
• Diabetes insipidus - central
• Diabetes insipidus - nephrogenic
• Glucose test - urine
• Heart failure - overview
• Hepatorenal syndrome
• Hyponatremia
• Interstitial nephritis
• Osmolality - blood
• Urine concentration test

Answer 4

Urine has a higher specific gravity