Objective: Measuring specific gravity of urine is a simple means of self-monitoring for urolithiasis patients.
Methods: We evaluated the reliability of two test strips (N-Multistix and Combur-Stix) and determined the relationship between urine specific gravity and crystal formation in first morning urine in 179 patients with calcium oxalate lithiasis. Urine hydrometry was used as the reference method.
Results: There was a good correlation between urine density read on the test strips and hydrometry (r = 0.733 for N-Multistix and 0.697 for Combur-Stix). Hydrometry showed little pH effect but the test strips gave results correlated with urine pH (r = 0.764 and 0.813 respectively). When urine pH was below 6.5, the specific gravity of the urine was overestimated; inversely for pH > 7, it was underestimated. Correction factors were obtained by comparing test strip values with specific gravity measurements for pH level between 4.5 and 8. There were crystals in 66% of the urine samples with a density > or = 1012 g/l. In contrast, 75% of the samples below this value were crystal free. There was a close relationship between 24-hour urine volume and specific gravity (n = 124; r = 0.778): a specific gravity of 1.012 corresponded to 2100 ml urine output. For 24% of the patients, specific gravity of the morning urine was > or = 1.012 despite a 24-h urine output > or = 2100 ml, indicating insufficient urine dilution during the night.
Conclusion: Measurement of specific gravity with test strips with correction for pH can be a simple way to measure the specific gravity of urine and assess whether urine dilution is sufficient to reduce the risk of crystal formation, the main risk factor in urolithiasis patients.