What is the normal specific gravity range for urine?

What is the normal specific gravity range for urine?

• A. 0.900-0.950
• B. 1.020-1.090
• C. 1.002-1.030
• D. 1.100-1.150

Answer: (C)

Urine specific gravity shows how concentrated the urine is relative to water. The kidneys can dilute or concentrate urine, so a normal range reflects typical hydration status and solute load. The commonly accepted normal range is about 1.002 to 1.030. Values at the lower end (around 1.002) indicate very dilute urine, often after good fluid intake, while values near 1.030 reflect more concentrated urine, which can occur with dehydration or reduced fluid intake. The other ranges are outside normal variation: 0.900–0.950 is below that of urine and even water, which isn’t plausible for urine; 1.020–1.090 and 1.100–1.150 extend into higher concentrations that aren’t considered normal in typical conditions.

Urine specific gravity shows how concentrated the urine is relative to water. The kidneys can dilute or concentrate urine, so a normal range reflects typical hydration status and solute load. The commonly accepted normal range is about 1.002 to 1.030. Values at the lower end (around 1.002) indicate very dilute urine, often after good fluid intake, while values near 1.030 reflect more concentrated urine, which can occur with dehydration or reduced fluid intake.

The other ranges are outside normal variation: 0.900–0.950 is below that of urine and even water, which isn’t plausible for urine; 1.020–1.090 and 1.100–1.150 extend into higher concentrations that aren’t considered normal in typical conditions.