urinometer

A urinometer is a medical instrument used to measure the specific gravity of urine. Specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of dissolved solutes in urine, such as urea, salts, and other waste products. It is an important indicator of kidney function and hydration status. A urinometer typically consists of a weighted, graduated glass float that is placed in a sample of urine. The float will sink to a level corresponding to the specific gravity of the urine, with higher specific gravity indicating more concentrated urine and lower specific gravity indicating less concentrated urine.

The normal range for urine specific gravity in humans is typically between 1.005 and 1.030. Deviations from this range can suggest various medical conditions. For instance, a persistently low specific gravity might indicate conditions like diabetes insipidus or excessive fluid intake, while a persistently high specific gravity could suggest dehydration, fever, or certain kidney diseases. Urinometers are simple, inexpensive, and easy to use, making them a common tool in clinical laboratories and even for home monitoring. The measurement is a non-invasive diagnostic test that provides valuable information about the body's fluid balance and the kidneys' ability to concentrate or dilute urine.