Density (routine urine test)

Urine density is used to assess the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine and to indirectly monitor the amount of water consumed. Density represents the total dissolved substances in the urine, mainly metabolic waste products (urea, creatinine) and excess electrolytes from diet (sodium, calcium, etc.). Other substances such as glucose or proteins are added as appropriate. Urine density is highly affected by the amount of water consumed prior to specimen collection.

Urine density above 1.010 and even above 1.030 usually indicates that the kidney has retained its ability to concentrate urine. A density below 1.003 may indicate renal problems, but also excessive water consumption.

There are two techniques for measuring urine density. All substances found in urine, including glucose and proteins, are taken into account in the refractive index measurement used to produce this report. Results may be significantly different in other laboratories using the strip technique, which is not sensitive to the presence of glucose and proteins.