Urine specific gravity test

After you provide a urine sample, it is tested right away. The health care provider uses a dipstick made with a color-sensitive pad. The color the dipstick changes to will tell the provider the specific gravity of your urine. The dipstick test gives only a rough result. For a more accurate result, your provider may…

Your provider may tell you that you need to limit your fluid intake 12 to 14 hours before the test. Your provider will ask you to temporarily stop taking any medicines that may affect the test results. Be sure to tell your provider about all the medicines you take, including dextran and sucrose. DO NOT stop taking any…

The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.

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

Urine osmolality is a more specific and precise test for urine concentration. The urine specific gravity test is easier and more convenient, and is usually part of a routine urinalysis . The urine osmolality test may not be needed. The normal range for urine specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030. Normal value ranges may…

Increased urine specific gravity may be due to conditions such as: Adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones (such as Addison disease) Glucose in the urine Heart failure High sodium level in the blood Loss of body fluids ( dehydration ) Narrowing of the kidney artery (renal artery stenosis) Shock Syndrome of…

There are no risks with this test.

Krishnan A, Levin A. Laboratory assessment of kidney disease: glomerular filtration rate, urinalysis, and proteinuria. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney . 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 23. Riley RS, McPherson RA. Basic examination…