Urine specific gravity

The specific gravity measures the concentration of the urine compared to the concentration of water. The higher the specific gravity, the more concentrated the urine is. The test is used to evaluate how well the kidneys can concentrate and excrete urine.

The normal range for specific gravity is 1.005 - 1.030.

Urine collection

Fasting is not required before the test

Increased specific gravity may be seen with certain conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and liver failure. Increased specific gravity may be caused by dehydration, fever, low fluid intake, and vomiting.

A decrease in specific gravity may be seen with use of diuretics, high fluid intake, and diabetes insipidus.