What does a change in specific gravity indicate in urine analysis?

A change in specific gravity in urine analysis primarily indicates the hydration status of the patient. Specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in urine, reflecting how well the kidneys are concentrating or diluting the urine based on the body's hydration level.

When a patient is well-hydrated, the urine tends to have a lower specific gravity because it is more dilute, containing fewer solutes. Conversely, when a patient is dehydrated, urine specific gravity increases as the body conserves water, leading to more concentrated urine that has a higher solute concentration. Therefore, monitoring specific gravity can be an effective way to assess a patient's hydration status.

While the presence of proteinuria, infection risk, and the concentration of electrolytes can influence various aspects of urine analysis, they do not directly correlate with specific gravity as clearly as hydration status does. Changes in specific gravity are more indicative of the body's fluid balance rather than the presence of proteins, infections, or specific electrolyte levels.