Final answer:
The normal specific gravity of urine is option c (1.004-1.030). Specific gravity indicates the solute concentration in urine, with values outside this range pointing to potential health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal specific gravity of urine falls within the range of 1.005 to 1.030 g/mL. Specific gravity is a measure of the quantity of solutes per unit volume of a solution, and urine has a specific gravity higher than pure water due to the dissolved solutes it contains.
For human urine, a specific gravity below the normal range may indicate conditions such as Diabetes insipidus and amyloid degeneration, while a high specific gravity can occur due to dehydration, diarrhoea, or infection. It's important to note that specific gravity can be affected by the temperature of the sample, with a standard reference at 15°C and adjustments made for temperature variations.
For a person who asks about the normal specific gravity of urine, the answer would be option c (1.004-1.030). It is also crucial to highlight that specific gravity is traditionally easier to measure than osmolarity, which is another way of evaluating concentration. The osmolarity of urine can vary from a low of 50-100 mOsmol/L to a high of 1200 mOsmol/L depending on hydration status and kidney function. The presence of substances like leukocyte esterase in urine can suggest a urinary tract infection (UTI).