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Urine For Specific Gravity and Its Significance

July 20, 2021Lab TestsUrine Analysis

Sample

  • A random urine sample can be taken.

Indications

  1. Urine analysis is part of the routine diagnostic profile.
  2. This gives an idea about kidney function.
  3. This also gives an idea about the hydration status.

Precautions

  1. Urine collected after the I/V administration of iodine-containing radiopaque material gives high values of specific gravity.
  2. Glucose and the protein in the urine also give high value.
  3. Diabetic patient with hyperglycemia gives high value.

Pathophysiology

  1. Urine-specific gravity is the measure of the kidney’s ability to concentrate the urine.
    1. The important process of reabsorption by the kidneys is often the first renal function to become impaired.
    2. So the specific gravity will detect dehydration or abnormality in the antidiuretic hormone.
  2. Urine is a solution of minerals, salts, and other compounds dissolved in water.
    1. Specific gravity = water + dissolved chemicals.
  3. So the specific gravity is the measure of the density of dissolved substances in the urine.
  4. Specific gravity is the weight of urine compared to distilled water, which has a specific gravity of 1.000.
  5. The specific gravity of the plasma entering the glomerulus is 1.010.
  6. Types of urine according to the specific gravity:
    1. Isosthenuria is the urine that has not greater and not less than the protein-free plasma.
      1. It is urine with a specific gravity of 1.010 (1.008 to 1.012).
    2. Hyposthenuria = specific gravity <1.010.
    3. Hyperstheuria = specific gravity is > 1.010.
    4. Random sample = 1.003 to 1.035.
      1. Most random sample = 1.015 to 1.025.
      2. The specific gravity of 1.023 or higher is generally considered normal.
      3. Specific gravity >1.035 is usually seen in the renal pyelogram (IVP).
    5. Specific gravity <1.003 is not urine.
  7. Specific gravity depends upon :
    1. The state of hydration.
    2. Urine volume.
  8. High specific gravity indicates concentrated urine.
  9. Low specific gravity indicates dilute urine.
  10. The reflectometer can read specific gravity.

Normal

Source 2

  • Adult = 1.005 to 1.030.
    • Usually, it is 1.010 to 1.025
  • Newborn = 1.001 to 1.020.
  • For older adults, its value decreases.
  • concentrated urine = 1.025 to 1.1030 or more
  • Diluted urine = 1.001 to 1.010

Lab procedure to find specific gravity of urine:

  1. The Hydrometer checks the specific gravity but needs an abundant quantity of urine.
Hydrometer to measure urine specific gravity

Hydrometer to measure urine specific gravity

  1. Absorbent cellulose strip impregnated with bromthymol blue, polymethyl vinyl ether, and or maleic anhydride and sodium hydroxide.
    1. Color changes dark blue at low specific gravity 1.000.
    2. Yellow-green at a specific gravity of 1.030.
  2. Machine-readable devices are available from the Clinitek system, Bayer Diagnostics, and Elkhart Ind.
  3. If the urinometer does not measure the specific gravity, then dilute urine 1:2.
    1. Now multiply the reading by 2.

The Increased specific gravity is seen in:

  1. Dehydration.
  2. Decreased renal blood flow.
  3. Diabetes mellitus.
  4. Excessive water loss in fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  5. Toxemia of pregnancy.
  6. Congestive heart failure.
  7. Proteinuria.
  8. Water restriction.

The Decreased specific gravity is seen in:

  1. Diabetes insipidus.
  2. Early chronic failure.
  3. Severe renal damage.
  4. Hypertension.
  5. Overhydration.
  6. Diuresis.

    Normal urine picture:

    Physical features Chemical features Microscopic findings
    1. Color = Pale yellow or amber
    2. Appearance = Clear to slightly hazy
    3. pH = 4.5 to 8.0
    4. Specific gravity = 1.015 to 1.025
    1. Blood = Negative
    2. Glucose = Negative
    3. Ketones= Negative
    4. Protein = Negative
    5. Bilirubin = Negative
    6. Urobilinogen = Negative (±)
    7. Leucocyte esterase = Negative
    8. Nitrite for bacteria = Negative
    1. RBCs = Rare or Negative
    2. WBC = Rare or Negative
    3. Epithelial cells = Few
    4. Cast = Negative (Occasional hyaline)
    5. Crystal = Negative (Depends upon the pH of the urine)
    6. Bacteria = Negative

     


Possible References Used
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Comments

JAGAMOHAN SAHU Reply
June 19, 2021

really this site is very helpfull to us.We salute you.

Dr. Riaz Reply
June 19, 2021

Thanks a lot for the encouraging comments.

christopher Barton Reply
July 15, 2021

I am 45 I have HIV-1 and 3 artist deseas and a super high amun system. This is the worst wired thing in the world. My clinic told me that my test are good but something odd my specific gravity is 1.023 my body has the ability to reject any foren harm and what my body doing to pop and I change the way I drink water because that straight make me see light head foggy stuff. I done away with to much sugar and watch water I eaten and my urine is close to distilled water and I see what is says here. I know I have rare blood it says a lot of wired stuff in my DNA on.medicine and ancestry. So my mind can’t make any sense of all this.

jclee Reply
July 19, 2021

How much volume of urine is needed?

Dr. Riaz Reply
July 20, 2021

It depends upon the procedure; if you are using strips, few drops of the urine are enough. If you use a specific gravity meter (urinometer or hydrometer), then at least 10 mL of the urine is needed.

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