What specific gravity value defines hyposthenuric urine?

Hyposthenuric urine is characterized by a specific gravity that reflects a lower concentration of solutes compared to plasma. A specific gravity value of less than 1.010 indicates that the urine is more dilute than normal, which is a hallmark of hyposthenuria.

This condition can occur in various clinical situations, particularly in cases where the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine effectively, such as in diabetes insipidus or in cases of excessive fluid intake. When the urine specific gravity falls below 1.010, it signifies that the kidneys are excreting a higher volume of water relative to solutes, resulting in a lower concentration of dissolved substances in the urine.

In contrast, normal urine typically has a specific gravity range between 1.010 and 1.030, and hypersthenuric urine is classified as having a specific gravity greater than 1.020, reflecting a more concentrated urine. Thus, the value of less than 1.010 is definitive for identifying hyposthenuric urine.