How the Test is Performed

The test requires a clean-catch urine sample. For information on how to collect this urine sample, see: Clean-catch urine culture

How to Prepare for the Test

Your health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test. Drugs that can increase specific gravity measurements include dextran and sucrose. Receiving intravenous dye (contrast medium) for an x-ray exam up to 3 days before the test can also interfere with results.

Eat a normal, balanced diet for several days before the test.

How the Test Will Feel

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

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

Normal Results

Normal values are between 1.002 to 1.030.

The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Increased urine specific gravity may be due to:

• Addison's disease (rare)
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea that causes dehydration
• Glucosuria
• Heart failure (related to decreased blood flow to the kidneys)
• Renal arterial stenosis
• Shock
• Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

Decreased urine specific gravity may be due to:

• Aldosteronism (very rare)
• Excessive fluid intake
• Diabetes insipidus - central
• Diabetes insipidus - nephrogenic
• Kidney failure
• Renal tubular necrosis
• Severe kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Complicated UTI (pyelonephritis)
• High blood sodium level (hypernatremia)
• Low blood sodium level (hyponatremia)
• Excessive urination

Considerations

Osmolality is a more specific test for urine concentration. However, the specific gravity measurement is easier and more convenient and usually part of a routine urinalysis. It frequently makes the osmolality measurement unnecessary.

Alternative Names

Urine density

References

Landry DW, Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 116.

Updated: 4/21/2012

Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.