Specific Gravity, Urine
Test Codes
EPIC: LAB5917, Beaker: SGUR
Department
Chemistry
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect: A random, clean-catch, midstream urine specimen in a screw-capped container (preferred) or other sterile collection container. (Minimum: 1.0 mL)
Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation
Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) and transport to the Laboratory.
Preparation for Courier Transport
Transport: Urine specimen, refrigerated (2-8 °C or 36-46 °F). (Minimum: 1.0 mL)
Rejection Criteria
Urine volume less than 1.0 mL.
Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.
In-Lab Processing
Deliver the specimen immediately to the appropriate testing station.
Storage
Specimen Stability for Testing:
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 7 days
Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Laboratory
Canton Laboratory
Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory
Farmington Hills Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory
Grosse Pointe Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory
Royal Oak Urinalysis Laboratory
Troy Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory
Taylor Chemistry Laboratory
Trenton Chemistry Laboratory
Wayne Chemistry Laboratory
Performed
Sunday – Saturday.
Results available within 24 hours.
Reference Range
1.005 - 1.030.
Interpretation
Specific gravity is the ratio of the mass of solution compared to the mass of an equal volume of water. Therefore, it is a measure of the total solute concentration of urine when compared to water (1.000).
Random urine specimens can vary in specific gravity from 1.003 to 1.040+. Normal adults with normal diets and normal fluid intake will produce urine of specific gravity 1.016-1.022 during a 24 hour period. If a random urine has a specific gravity of greater than or equal to 1.023, concentrating ability can be considered normal.
Specific gravity values by refractometer less than 1.035 may be due to high concentrations of glucose or protein, but may also be due to presence of X-ray crystals or certain antibiotics. X-ray crystals can be assessed with microscopic analysis of the urinary sediment and a medication /X-ray contrast material history for the patient.
Clinical Utility
Low specific gravity (hyposthenuria) may indicate the loss of the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine, as can occur with renal diseases such as pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, and diabetes insipidis. A highly concentrated urine (hypersthenuria) may occur with congestive heart failure, Addison’s disease, cirrhosis, and forms of dehydration (vomiting, diarrhea, fever, heavy exercise).
CPT Codes
81003
Contacts
Canton Laboratory – CTN
734-454-8024
Name: Canton Laboratory – CTN
Location:
Phone: 734-454-8024
Chemistry Laboratory – DBN
313-436-2196
Name: Chemistry Laboratory – DBN
Location:
Phone: 313-436-2196
Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – FH
947-521-8243
Name: Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – FH
Location:
Phone: 947-521-8243
Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory – GP
313-473-1809
Name: Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory – GP
Location:
Phone: 313-473-1809
Urinalysis Laboratory – RO
248-551-8064
Name: Urinalysis Laboratory – RO
Location:
Phone: 248-551-8064
Chemistry Laboratory – TYL
313-295-5360
Name: Chemistry Laboratory – TYL
Location:
Phone: 313-295-5360
Chemistry Laboratory – TRN
734-671-3165
Name: Chemistry Laboratory – TRN
Location:
Phone: 734-671-3165
Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – TR
248-964-8040
Name: Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – TR
Location:
Phone: 248-964-8040
Main Laboratory –WYN
734-467-4274
Name: Main Laboratory –WYN
Location:
Phone: 734-467-4274
Last Updated
11/3/2023
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