Have you ever given a urine sample to a doctor? You may have seen something called 'Specific Gravity' on the report you get. It may just be a number, but you may have wondered what it means. It actually says a lot about our bodies, especially the functioning of our kidneys. Don't worry, we'll keep it simple.
Simply put, what is the specific gravity of urine?
This is a very simple test. It basically measures the density, or thickness, of your urine by comparing it to plain, clean water.
Think of it this way. When we add a little sugar or salt to a glass of water, the water thickens a little, doesn't it? If we add more, it thickens even more. That's how it is. Our kidneys are like two super filters in our body. They filter out the unwanted waste products in the blood and excrete them out of the body with urine. So, as the amount of such waste products in the urine increases, its consistency also increases. If the water content increases, the consistency decreases.
The main waste products normally found in urine are:
- Urea: This is a substance that is formed when we eat foods that contain protein (such as meat, fish, and eggs) and they are broken down inside the body.
- Uric Acid: This is also formed when the body breaks down chemicals called purines, which are found in some foods we eat (especially meats and some alcohol).
- Salts: Salts, such as sodium, are found in the foods we eat and drink.
- Amino acids: These are the basic building blocks of proteins.
So, a low specific gravity means your urine is more watery, meaning it is very diluted . A high specific gravity means it is more wasteful, meaning it is very concentrated .
What do the results of this test say?
Sometimes, when we drink a lot of water, our urine may become watery. Similarly, when we sweat a lot and don't drink enough water, our urine may become thick. These are normal. However, sometimes, changes in these values can be a sign of a health condition.
You can get a good idea about this from the table below.
| Result | Meaning | Possible causes |
|---|---|---|
| Low Specific Gravity | The urine is very thin. It has a watery consistency. |
|
| Increased Specific Gravity (High) | The urine is very thick. The waste content is high. |
How do you prepare for this test?
This is a very simple thing, but it is very important to inform the doctor of a few things before the test.
- Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking: Not only the ones prescribed by a doctor, but also painkillers, vitamins, Ayurvedic medicines, traditional herbs, and even coriander water you buy from a pharmacy. Some things can affect the results.
- Tell us about any recent scans you've had: If you've recently had a scan that involves injecting a special liquid (contrast dye) into your body, such as an MRI or CT scan, tell us about that too.
- Will you be asked to limit your fluid intake? Sometimes, your doctor may ask you to limit your fluid intake, including water, for about 12 hours before the test. This is to ensure that the test results are as accurate as possible.
What happens during the test?
Usually, you will be given a small cup with a lid from the lab or the doctor's office to give a urine sample.
1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap .
2. Then, you need to pass some urine out and catch the next urine in the cup. We call this the ``clean-catch`` method.
3. If you are a woman, be sure to tell your doctor or the lab staff if it is your menstrual period, as it can affect the results.
Some people find it a little difficult to urinate outside the home. It's nothing to be ashamed of. If you have such a problem, tell your doctor, he or she will show you an easier way.
The sample is then tested in the lab. There are two methods for this. One is to dip a small paper strip called a dipstick into the urine. The color of the strip changes to give a rough idea of the concentration. A more accurate method is to use a device called a refractometer.
How to understand the results?
Normally, the `Specific Gravity` value of a healthy person's urine is in the range of 1.010 to 1.030 . (Some labs also consider this value as 1.005 - 1.030).
- If the value is less than 1.010: It means your urine is too dilute. You may be drinking too much water.
- If the value is higher than 1.030: Your urine is too concentrated. You may be dehydrated.
What to do next if the results are abnormal?
Don't worry. Just because your report is a little out of the normal range doesn't mean it's a big deal. It could be something as simple as how much water you drank or how much you sweated.
However, if the doctor has any doubts about this value, he will order several more tests to find the exact cause.
- Blood tests: Things like the ``Blood Urea Nitrogen - BUN'' test, which checks kidney function.
- Other urine tests.
- Scans: An ultrasound scan, MRI or CT scan of the kidneys.
After all of this, your doctor will explain to you what caused your condition and what to do next.
Take-Home Message
- Urine specific gravity is a simple test that measures how well your kidneys balance water and waste in your body.
- Increased urine output (thick urine) is often caused by dehydration. Decreased urine output (watery urine) is often caused by drinking too much water. However, both can have other medical causes.
- Don't jump to conclusions based on test results. Always talk to your doctor about it.
- Before the test, informing the doctor about all medications you are taking and recent scans you have had will help a lot in getting accurate results.
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