The Urine Specific Gravity test assesses the concentration of dissolved particles in urine.
Test summary
Test name
Urine Specific Gravity
Abbreviations
USG, Specific Gravity
Category
Urinalysis / Concentration
Panel
Urinalysis
Specimen
Urine
Common units
ratio
What does the test measure?
The Urine Specific Gravity test assesses the concentration of dissolved particles in urine.
Why is the test ordered?
It is used to assess body water balance and the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute urine.
Information about a low result
Low specific gravity can reflect more dilute urine; fluid intake and renal concentrating ability can affect the result.
Information about a high result
High specific gravity can reflect more concentrated urine; dehydration and substances such as glucose or protein can affect the result.
Reference and clinical context
Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, method, collection conditions and reporting unit. Urinalysis findings do not establish a diagnosis on their own.
Reference range 1
>= 1.005 – <= 1.03 ratio
Population
General urine sample
Specimen
Urine
Method
Dipstick / refractometry
Sourced reference context for Urine Specific Gravity
This is sourced example reference/clinical-context information; the user's own laboratory report and specimen conditions take priority.
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.
Interpretation notes
Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, method, collection conditions and reporting unit. Urinalysis findings do not establish a diagnosis on their own. Interpretation may be more informative when related urine parameters are considered together.
Related specialties
Urology
Nephrology
Internal Medicine
Family Medicine
Frequently asked questions
No. Urinalysis findings are interpreted with symptoms, collection conditions, medical history and related tests.
Use the performing laboratory's own reference interval and reporting method first.
Clearly abnormal, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected findings should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.