What does a Urine Specific Gravity (USG) of 1.031 indicate?

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From the Research

Urine Specific Gravity (USG) of 1.031

  • A USG of 1.031 indicates a highly concentrated urine sample, which may suggest dehydration or inadequate fluid intake 1.
  • This value is above the normal range, which typically falls between 1.020 and 1.030 2, 3.
  • A study comparing digital and optical hand-held refractometers for measuring feline urine specific gravity found a mean USG of 1.031 using an optical refractometer, which was significantly higher than the mean USG of 1.027 obtained using a digital refractometer 4.
  • In humans, a USG of 1.031 may be associated with kidney impairment or dehydration, particularly in individuals working in hot or ultra-low humidity environments 1, 3.
  • The diagnostic role of USG in detecting kidney impairment has been investigated, with a cut-off value of ≥1.018 showing sensitivity and specificity for detecting elevation of urinary nephrin levels 3.
  • However, it is essential to consider the measurement method used, as different techniques (e.g., hydrometry, refractometry, and reagent strips) may yield varying results 5, 2.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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