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What does SG stand for in a urine test?

Definition. Urine specific gravity is a laboratory test that shows the concentration of all chemical particles in the urine.

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Definition

Urine specific gravity is a laboratory test that shows the concentration of all chemical particles in the urine.

Alternative Names

Urine density

How the Test is Performed

After you provide a urine sample, it is tested right away. The health care provider uses a dipstick made with a color-sensitive pad. The color the dipstick changes to will tell the provider the specific gravity of your urine. The dipstick test gives only a rough result. For a more accurate result, your provider may send your urine sample to a lab.

How to Prepare for the Test

Your provider may tell you that you need to limit your fluid intake 12 to 14 hours before the test. Your provider will ask you to temporarily stop taking any medicines that may affect the test results. Be sure to tell your provider about all the medicines you take, including dextran and sucrose. DO NOT stop taking any medicine before talking to your provider. Other things can also affect the test results. Tell your provider if you recently:

Had any type of anesthesia for an operation.

Received intravenous dye (contrast medium) for an imaging test, such as a CT or MRI scan.

Used herbs or natural remedies, especially Chinese herbs.

How the Test will Feel

The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

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

Normal Results

Urine osmolality is a more specific test for urine concentration. The urine specific gravity test is easier and more convenient, and is usually part of a routine urinalysis . The urine osmolality test may not be needed. The normal range for urine specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Increased urine specific gravity may be due to conditions such as:

Heart failure

High sodium level in the blood

Loss of body fluids ( dehydration )

) Narrowing of the kidney artery (renal artery stenosis)

Shock

Sugar (glucose) in the urine

Decreased urine specific gravity may be due to:

Damage to kidney tubule cells ( renal tubular necrosis )

) Diabetes insipidus

Drinking too much fluid

Kidney failure

Low sodium level in the blood

Severe kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

Risks

There are no risks with this test.

References

Krishnan A, Levin A. Laboratory assessment of kidney disease: glomerular filtration rate, urinalysis, and proteinuria. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 23. Riley RS, McPherson RA. Basic examination of the urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 28. Villeneuve P-M, Bagshaw SM. Assessment of urine biochemistry. In: Ronco C, Bellomo R, Kellum JA, Ricci Z, eds. Critical Care Nephrology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 55.

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Why am I peeing 20 times a night?

Drinking too much fluid during the evening can cause you to urinate more often during the night. Caffeine and alcohol after dinner can also lead to this problem. Other common causes of urination at night include: Infection of the bladder or urinary tract.

Drinking too much fluid during the evening can cause you to urinate more often during the night. Caffeine and alcohol after dinner can also lead to this problem.

Other common causes of urination at night include:

Infection of the bladder or urinary tract

Drinking a lot of alcohol, caffeine, or other fluids before bedtime

Enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)

Pregnancy

Other conditions that can lead to the problem include:

Chronic kidney failure

Diabetes

Drinking excessive amount of water

Heart failure

High blood calcium level

Certain medicines, including water pills (diuretics)

Diabetes insipidus

Swelling of the legs

Waking often during the night to urinate can also be linked to obstructive sleep apnea and other sleeping disorders. Nocturia may go away when the sleeping problem is under control. Stress and restlessness can also cause you to wake up at night.

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