Urine specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes (chemical particles) in urine compared to pure water. It indicates how well the kidneys are balancing water and waste products in the urine by showing the density of urine relative to water, which has a specific gravity of 1.000
. What it means:
- A normal range of urine specific gravity is generally between about 1.005 and 1.030, though some sources cite 1.010 to 1.030 as typical for adults
- A high specific gravity (closer to or above 1.030) means urine is more concentrated with waste products and less water, which can happen due to dehydration, excessive sweating, diarrhea, or conditions that reduce kidney function
- A low specific gravity (closer to water, below about 1.010) means urine is diluted with more water, which can occur with overhydration or conditions like diabetes insipidus where the kidneys cannot concentrate urine properly
Clinical significance:
- It helps diagnose and monitor conditions affecting kidney function and body fluid balance, such as dehydration, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, diabetes insipidus, heart failure, and shock
- Abnormal values can also indicate excess substances in urine like glucose, protein, or blood cells, which may point to infections or kidney problems
- In drug testing, specific gravity is important because diluted urine (low specific gravity) can mask drug metabolites, while very concentrated urine (high specific gravity) can increase detection levels
In summary, urine specific gravity is a quick, simple test that reflects how concentrated or diluted your urine is, providing insight into hydration status, kidney function, and possible underlying health issues
