Final answer:
The specific gravity of urine, which normally ranges from 1.003 to 1.030, offers insights into a person's hydration and health status. Abnormal levels can suggest conditions like dehydration or kidney issues, and it is measured using tools like a urinometer or analyzed for solutes via urine osmolarity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific gravity of urine is a measurement that compares the density of urine to the density of water. For humans, this value typically ranges from 1.003 to 1.030. Higher or lower values may indicate various health conditions. For instance, a high specific gravity can result from dehydration or infection, whereas a low specific gravity can be a sign of renal failure or conditions such as Diabetes insipidus. Furthermore, the specific gravity is temperature-dependent, increasing slightly as the temperature rises.
Measuring the specific gravity is usually easier than measuring urine osmolarity, but the latter provides a more accurate representation of solutes in the urine. The presence of cells such as leukocytes, detected through the release of leukocyte esterase, can indicate urinary tract infections. Chronic deviations in urine pH levels can lead to health issues such as kidney stones or osteomalacia.
To accurately assess the total solids in the urine, one can use Long's Coefficient to multiply the last two digits of the specific gravity. This computation helps estimate the amount of solids excreted in the urine. Generally, there is an inverse relationship between urine volume and specific gravity, though Diabetes Mellitus is an exception to this trend.