What urinary condition is indicated by a specific gravity of less than 1.010?

A specific gravity of less than 1.010 indicates a condition known as hyposthenuria. This occurs when the kidneys produce urine that is more dilute than normal. The specific gravity of urine reflects the concentration of solutes in the urine; therefore, readings below 1.010 suggest a lower concentration of dissolved substances.

In a healthy individual, urine is typically concentrated within a specific gravity range of approximately 1.010 to 1.030. When it is less than 1.010, it means that the urine contains lower amounts of solutes, indicating that the kidneys are effectively diluting the urine. This can occur due to various factors such as excessive fluid intake, conditions that impair the kidneys' concentrating ability, or certain pathophysiological states that influence renal functions, such as diabetes insipidus.

Understanding this specific gravity range is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions. Low specific gravity can also suggest an inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine, which can be indicative of underlying kidney disease or dysfunction.