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Definition

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

See also:

Alternative Names

Urine density

How the test is performed

The 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 test

Your 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 feel

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed

This test helps evaluate your body's water balance and urine concentration.

Normal Values

Normal values are between 1.020 to 1.028.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean

Increased 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:

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

  • Complicated UTI (pyelonephritis)
  • High blood sodium level
  • Low blood sodium level
  • Excessive urination
Special considerations

Osmolality 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.

References

Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 115.

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Related Questions

What is the most significant determination of the specific gravity of urine?

Specific gravity is determined by the solutes in the urine - the less solutes, the lower the specific gravity. In normal urine, the solutes are ions such as ammonium.


What is the specific gravity of 50.0ml of urine?

The specific gravity of urine varies from one individual to another. And whatever it happens to be, it doesn't depend on the volume of the sample.


What does 1.013 specific gravity urine mean?

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What indicates the amount of dissolved substance in the urine?

The specific gravity of urine indicates the amount of dissolved substances in urine. It is a measure of the density of urine compared to water. A higher specific gravity indicates a higher concentration of dissolved substances, while a lower specific gravity indicates a lower concentration.


What does the specific gravity (SG) of urine measure?

The density of urine


What reflects the amount of wastes minerals and solids in urine?

Your urine's specific gravity reflects the amount of minerals, solids, and wastes in the urine. Specific gravity is a comparison of urine's density to water's density.


Does the amount of water you drink each day correspond to the specific gravity of your urine?

The amount of water you drink each day corresponds to the specific gravity of your urine. Specific gravity ranges from 1.001 to 1.035.


What is the normal specific gravity of dog urine?

For an adequately hydrated dog with normal renal function, urine specific gravity should be over 1.030.


What instrument used to measure the specific gravity of urine is called?

A urinometer is an instrument used to measure the specific gravity of urine. It consists of a float that is placed in a tube filled with urine, and the specific gravity is read off a scale on the side of the tube.


How refrigeration cause a decrease or an increase in urine specific gravity?

Refrigeration can potentially cause a decrease in urine specific gravity due to the effects of low temperatures on dissolved solutes in the urine, which can lead to crystallization or precipitation. On the other hand, refrigeration can also cause an increase in urine specific gravity if there is evaporation of water, concentrating the urine. Overall, the impact of refrigeration on urine specific gravity may vary depending on the specific composition of the urine and the conditions of refrigeration.


Does the specific gravity of urine ever fall below 1.000?

No, the specific gravity of urine should not fall below 1.000 because this would indicate that the urine is less dense than water. Typically, healthy urine has a specific gravity range of 1.002 to 1.030 due to the dissolved solutes present in it.


What are normal results for urine specific gravity?

The specific gravity can be an excellent source of information on hydration. This is an elevated result indicative of concentrated urine associated with dehydration. A normal specific gravity ranges from 1.010 to 1.020. normal range of S.G. in urine is 1.003 to 1.030.