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Reference:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000982.htm
Dehydration means your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. Dehydration can be caused by losing too much fluid, not
drinking enough water or fluids, or both. Vomiting and diarrhoea are common causes.
Dehydration is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on how much of the body’s fluid is lost or not replenished. When severe, dehydration
is a life-threatening emergency.
Ideally, urine specific gravity should be approximately 1.020 g/ml or below (Donoghue et al., 2000). The Royal College of Pathology, Australia
considers a value of over 1.030 g/ml to indicate dehydration.
NOTE: THIS DOCUMENT IS INFORMATIVE ONLY. TO BE USED AS A BASIC GUIDE – IF IN DOUBT SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Abnormal Specific Gravity Values
A. Reduced Specific Gravity
Excess fluid intake (MODERATE YOUR FLUID INTAKE)
If persistently low SG seek medical advise
B. Moderate Dehydration / Dehydrated (INSUFFICIENT FLUID INTAKE)
Onset of dehydration (INCREASE FLUID INTAKE IMMEDIATELY)
Continue to monitor and adjust accordingly
C. Dehydrated (INSUFFICIENT FLUID INTAKE)
Dehydrated (INCREASE FLUID INTAKE IMMEDIATELY, MOVE TO SHADED COOL AREA TO REST)
Continue to monitor and adjust accordingly
D. Severe Dehydration (SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION)
Fluid intake – continuous small doses
Vomiting/diarrhoea – ensure electrolyte replacement
Symptoms may include:
Dizziness
Light-headedness
Lethargy
Confusion
Dehydration & Urine SG
URINE SG READING
COMMENT
SUGGESTED ACTION
1.0000 – 1.0100
Below normal range
A. See details below
1.0101 – 1.0199
Within normal range
No action required
1.0200 – 1.0299
Above normal range
B. Moderate dehydration
1.0300 – 1.0349
Above normal range
C. Dehydrated
>1.0350
Abnormal
D. DANGER – seek medical assistance
Table 1 Urine Specific Gravity (SG) Values Chart.
