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Urine specific gravity is an important parameter measured in the urine general examination. Thanks to it, the doctor can assess the functioning of the kidneys and confirm the suspicion of diabetes. Urine specific gravity can help diagnose kidney failure or dehydrate. Find out what influences the wrong urine weight.
Urine specific gravity – what is it?
Urine specific gravity is one of the parameters determined in the general urine test. This indicator is very important and helps diagnose or rule out many serious diseases. In his opinion, it is important to follow the recommendations regarding proper preparation for the examination so as not to interfere with the results. Urine specific gravity abnormalities are associated with hormonal and electrolyte disturbances, but sometimes also indicate kidney problems.
Urine specific gravity – urine test
Urinalysis is one of the basic tests performed in laboratories. The second equally common diagnostic test that provides many key information about the health condition is blood morphology. It takes into account a number of different factors involved in the diagnostic process, including the specific gravity of urine.
During a general urine test, the following are measured:
- protein level;
- sugar level;
- the level of ketone bodies;
- color, fragrance and clarity;
- the amount of red blood cells;
- pH;
- specific gravity.
Specific gravity is measured to assess how your kidneys are working and how they are coping with urine concentrating.
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Preparation for a general urine test
You don’t need to prepare for a general urine test, but following a few caveats is crucial to getting a reliable result. First of all, remember that the test sample should be collected in the morning from the midstream urine. This means that the test cup should contain not the first batch of urine passed in the morning, but the middle one. The initial stream should go to the shell, and then the rest should go to the container.
The day before, also remember to buy a special one sterile urine container. Before transferring the sample to the container, wash thoroughly in the area of the urethra. This is important as the sample can become contaminated with bacteria around it. Unless needed, women do not have a urine sample tested just before or during menstruation.
The reliability of the urine specific gravity test result and other parameters depends on when we deliver the sample to the laboratory. It should be there no later than two hours after passing the morning urine into the reservoir.
- Read also about another urine test: Urine culture – preparation for the test and interpretation of results
Urine specific gravity – the norm
Urine specific gravity is assessed on the basis of certain standards. Typically, the normal urine specific gravity is between 1,010 and 1,025 g / l. However, it all depends on the laboratory and equipment at its disposal. Each equipment has individual sensitivity and performs sample analyzes with the specified accuracy. That is why it is so important that, in addition to the result, the laboratory also provides the accepted standard.
The result of measuring urine specific gravity is influenced by the amount of fluids drunk by the examined person. If the subject drinks heavily, the urine specific gravity may be less than 1,010. Conversely, if he drinks too little, the specific gravity may be increased.
However, it should be remembered that the test results are always good to show the doctor.
Urine specific gravity – low result
The low specific gravity of urine may be caused by the large amount of fluids consumed by the subject. However, if the result persists, it could be a much more serious cause.
The specific gravity of urine, which is close to 1 g / l (water weight), already suggests renal dysfunction. This could indicate kidney failure that is unable to concentrate urine. Other causes of too low specific gravity of urine include glomerulonephritis or interstitial nephritis and diabetes.
Urine specific gravity – high score
Increased urine specific gravity may be the result of dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, heavy training, or insufficient fluid intake. It is also a problem for people who sweat excessively. In some cases, it may also indicate a narrowing of the renal arteries and heart problems.
Increased urine specific gravity is also diagnosed when undesirable substances such as glucose are found in the urine in diabetics. Another example is a contrast agent that is administered in imaging studies, such as computed tomography or urography.
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