Urinometer
Urinometer
The Urinometer (pronounced: yoo-rih-nom-uh-ter) is a medical instrument used to measure the specific gravity of urine. The specific gravity of urine is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine, and it can be used to assess kidney function and to diagnose certain renal and metabolic diseases.
Etymology
The term "Urinometer" is derived from the Latin "urina," which means urine, and the Greek "metron," which means measure. Thus, a urinometer is an instrument that measures urine.
Use
A urinometer is used by immersing it in a sample of urine. The urinometer floats at a level that corresponds to the specific gravity of the urine. The specific gravity is then read off the scale on the urinometer. This measurement can provide valuable information about a patient's hydration status, kidney function, and the presence of certain diseases.
Related Terms
- Specific Gravity: This is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance. In the case of a urinometer, the specific gravity of urine is being measured.
- Urine: This is a liquid by-product of the body secreted by the kidneys through a process called urination and excreted through the urethra.
- Kidney Function: This refers to how well the kidneys are working to filter blood and produce urine.
- Renal Disease: This is a broad term that includes any disease or disorder that affects the function of the kidneys.
- Metabolic Disease: This is a broad category of diseases that occur when the body's usual metabolic processes are disrupted.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Urinometer
- Wikipedia's article - Urinometer
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