What does a high specific gravity in urine indicate?

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A high specific gravity in urine indicates that the urine is concentrated, which is often a sign of dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, it conserves water by concentrating the urine, resulting in a higher specific gravity. This measurement reflects the kidneys' ability to concentrate the urine by reabsorbing water to maintain the body's fluid balance.

In contrast, conditions like kidney failure can lead to diluted urine, resulting in a lower specific gravity because the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine effectively. Diabetes insipidus, which involves inadequate secretion of antidiuretic hormone or a lack of response to it, also results in very dilute urine, characterized by low specific gravity. Normal hydration levels would typically present a specific gravity within the normal range, indicating well-balanced fluid levels, rather than the concentrated state seen in dehydration.

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