
No matter how the test is conducted, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. In some cases, your doctor may ask that you take samples of urine from home over a 24-hour period. Then you’ll know what levels of electrolytes and osmolality your urine has. For more specific results, the sample is assessed by a lab. This gives your doctor an idea of whether your urine is too concentrated or not concentrated enough.

The dipstick reacts to your urine, changing colors based on the specific gravity of your urine. Your doctor or nurse takes a dipstick that uses a color-sensitive pad to provide results. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) – This is a medication that may help to concentrate your urine.įirst, you provide a urine sample that is tested immediately.Don’t drink water – You may need to stop drinking fluids of any kind for a specified amount of time leading up to your test..Drink water – Your doctor may ask you to drink more water than usual or hook you up to receive fluids via an IV prior to the test.Depending on your doctor’s concerns, they give you specific instructions for eating, drinking, and taking medication prior to the test.

The specific gravity of urine refers to the electrolytes and urine osmolality. Understanding Urine Specific GravityĪ urine concentration test is also called a water loading test or a water deprivation test. It is important in diagnosing some health conditions that impact water content in your urine. This measures your kidneys’ ability to balance water content and excrete waste. A urine concentration test provides the specific gravity of your urine.
