Specific Gravity, Urine Test in Kathmandu

About this test

Specific gravity measures how concentrated your urine is — essentially comparing its density to that of pure water, which sits at 1.000. Normal urine usually falls between 1.005 and 1.030, and the value tells your doctor how well your kidneys are doing one of their key jobs: balancing the body's water and salts. It is almost always reported as part of a routine urine examination (R/E) rather than ordered alone. A high reading points towards a concentrated, dehydrated state — common after a bout of fever, vomiting, or the watery diarrhoea that spikes across Kathmandu during the monsoon — and may also rise with sugar or protein spilling into the urine in poorly controlled diabetes. A persistently low or "fixed" value near 1.010, that barely changes regardless of how much you drink, is more concerning: it can signal that the kidneys are losing their ability to concentrate urine, as seen in chronic kidney disease, certain tubular disorders, or diabetes insipidus, a hormone problem causing relentless thirst and large volumes of dilute urine. Doctors interpret specific gravity alongside the rest of the urinalysis — colour, protein, glucose, and microscopy — and often beside blood tests such as creatinine, urea, and electrolytes. It is a simple, quick, and inexpensive window into both your hydration and your kidney function, which is why it appears on so many general check-up and follow-up panels. The result is best read in the context of your symptoms and fluid intake rather than as a number in isolation.

Sample type

Urine (random or mid-stream)

Preparation

No fasting required. A random sample is fine, but try to provide urine that has not been heavily diluted by drinking large amounts of water just beforehand. Tell us if you are on diuretics ("water tablets") or have recently had an X-ray or CT scan with contrast dye, as both can affect the reading.

Turnaround time

Reports for Specific Gravity, Urine are typically ready within: Same Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other urine tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Specific Gravity, Urine or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.