What does specific gravity in urine mean Meaning and Definition
What does specific gravity in urine mean
Pronunciation
/ˈspˌɛsɪfɪk/ /ˈɡrævɪti/ /ɪn/ /ˈjuːriːn/
Part of Speech
Term
Definition
What does specific gravity in urine mean refers to the measure of the concentration of urine, which is a reflection of the body’s ability to reabsorb water and eliminate waste. Specific gravity is calculated by comparing the density of urine to the density of water. A specific gravity of 1.000 indicates that the urine is similar in density to water, while a higher or lower value indicates that the urine is more or less concentrated.
Examples
1. “The doctor asked the patient to provide a urine sample to analyze its specific gravity.”
2. “Abnormal specific gravity in urine can be a sign of various medical conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes.”
Synonyms
1. Osmolality
2. Urine concentration
Antonyms
1. Hydration status
2. Normal kidney function
Additional Information
Specific gravity is an important indicator of kidney function and can be affected by various factors, including medication, diet, and hydration level. Abnormal specific gravity in urine can be a sign of underlying medical conditions, and measurement of specific gravity is often used in medical diagnosis and monitoring.
Normal specific gravity values range from 1.003 to 1.035, with values above or below this range indicating abnormal kidney function or other medical conditions. Healthcare professionals use specific gravity measurements to evaluate kidney function, diagnose and monitor kidney disease, and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
It is essential to note that specific gravity in urine can be affected by various factors, including the timing of the urine sample collection, medication use, and individual variability in urine concentration. As such, healthcare professionals carefully interpret specific gravity values in the context of other diagnostic tests and clinical information to make accurate diagnoses and develop targeted treatment plans.
Eymology
The term “specific gravity” is derived from the Latin words “specificus,” meaning “specific” or “unique,” and “gravis,” meaning “weight” or “gravity.” The term was first used in the 17th century to describe the density of a substance relative to the density of water.
Usage Notes
What does specific gravity in urine mean is often used in medical and scientific contexts to describe the concentration of urine and evaluate kidney function. However, the term is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
Cultural References
What does specific gravity in urine mean is not commonly referenced in popular culture. However, the concept of specific gravity is occasionally mentioned in medical dramas or documentaries that focus on kidney function and disease.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are no idiomatic expressions or phrases that specifically reference what does specific gravity in urine mean.
Collocations
1. “Specific gravity in urine”
2. “Urine specific gravity test”
3. “Normal specific gravity values”
Frequency of Use
What does specific gravity in urine mean is a term primarily used in medical and scientific contexts, and its frequency of use is relatively low in everyday conversation.
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