Kidney Function guides

What the BUN/creatinine ratio measures, why urea and creatinine respond differently to dehydration, and how to read your result.

Urine specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in your urine, reflecting the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute urine in response to the body's hydration needs. A high specific gravity indicates that urine is more concentrated than normal, which may result from dehydration, excess solute intake, or certain medical conditions. Monitoring this value can provide useful insight into hydration status and kidney function.

Urine specific gravity measures the concentration of dissolved solutes in your urine relative to pure water, reflecting how well your kidneys dilute or concentrate waste products. A low specific gravity reading suggests that urine is more dilute than expected, which may relate to fluid intake, kidney tubular function, or hormonal signaling. Monitoring this marker can offer meaningful insight into hydration status, renal concentrating ability, and overall metabolic balance.

Collecting a urine sample during menstruation can introduce menstrual blood into the specimen, potentially affecting test accuracy. Understanding proper collection techniques helps ensure reliable results and may prevent the need for repeat testing. A clean-catch method and appropriate timing are key considerations for anyone who needs a urinalysis while on their period.

Urine pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline your urine is, and it can reflect dietary patterns, hydration status, and metabolic processes. While urine pH naturally fluctuates throughout the day, consistently high (alkaline) readings may be associated with certain infections, kidney conditions, or dietary factors. Understanding what influences urine pH can help you have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider.