Final answer:
Specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in urine in comparison to water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specific Gravity and Urinalysis
Specific gravity is a measure of the quantity of solutes per unit volume of a solution. In the context of urinalysis, specific gravity is used to measure the concentration of solutes in urine. It indicates the density of urine compared to water.
For example, a high specific gravity may indicate dehydration or kidney problems, while a low specific gravity may indicate excessive fluid intake or certain kidney conditions. However, it is important to note that specific gravity alone cannot diagnose specific conditions and should be interpreted in combination with other urinalysis parameters.