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Specific gravity of urine assesses kidney efficiency in balancing fluids and waste. It’s important for diagnosing kidney conditions, hydration levels, and hormonal health, providing vital insights into a range of health issues.
The specific gravity of urine measures how well the kidneys concentrate or dilute urine. It shows how efficiently the kidneys balance water, salts, and waste.
This biomarker helps diagnose health conditions, particularly those involving kidney function, hydration levels, and certain hormonal disorders.
The kidneys work constantly to filter blood. They reabsorb water and nutrients while removing waste through urine. Specific gravity reveals the density of urine compared to water, indicating if the kidneys retain or release too much fluid.
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Specific gravity testing can be recommended as part of a routine urinalysis or when specific symptoms or health conditions arise.
Here are the common situations where this test may be prescribed:
The specific gravity of urine is measured through a urinalysis, a test that analyzes various properties of urine, including its concentration, color, pH, and presence of substances like protein or glucose. There are two common methods used for measuring urine specific gravity:
Special Preparations for the Test
For adults, normal specific gravity levels generally range from 1.002 to 1.030. This range indicates normal kidney function and a proper balance between fluid intake and waste excretion.
Note: The units of measurement and normal ranges can differ depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used.
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Deviations from the normal specific gravity range can signal various health issues. These are generally categorized as either high or low specific gravity, each with specific underlying causes
High specific gravity in urine, also called hyperstenuria, indicates that the urine is more concentrated than usual. This can result from conditions causing dehydration or excess solute concentration in the urine.
To help manage high specific gravity levels:
Low specific gravity, also known as hyposthenuria, shows that the urine is less concentrated than usual. It often points to conditions that affect the kidneys’ ability to retain fluid or dilute urine properly.
To help manage low specific gravity levels:
If you receive abnormal specific gravity test results, consider consulting one of the following specialists based on your healthcare provider’s recommendation:
This article was written by doctors from the Docus Medical Research team and reviewed by leading nephrology and urology experts. We relied on academic studies, medical research, and publications from credible sources to ensure the information provided is accurate and trustworthy.
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