Urogravimeter is a medical device used to measure the specific gravity of urine. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /jʊroʊˌɡrævɪˈmɛtər/. The first syllable is pronounced like "your," followed by "o" and "grave" with stress on the third syllable. Lastly, it ends with "meter" pronounced as "meht-er". Although the word may seem complex, its phonetic transcription helps in understanding its pronunciation and meaning in the medical profession.
A urogravimeter is a scientific instrument used to measure the specific gravity or density of urine, which is an important indicator of the concentration of dissolved substances in the urine.
The urogravimeter consists of a graduated glass cylinder with a narrow neck or a glass bulb with a narrow opening and a precision scale. The principle behind its operation is based on the fact that the specific gravity of a liquid determines its ability to displace a known volume of a standard liquid, usually distilled water.
To determine the specific gravity of urine using a urogravimeter, a small sample of urine is carefully collected and poured into the graduated cylinder or bulb. The instrument is then balanced to an initial zero point, and the specific gravity is read directly from the scale. The specific gravity value obtained provides vital information about the concentration of dissolved substances in the urine, such as ions, electrolytes, proteins, and waste products.
The urogravimeter is commonly used in clinical laboratories, hospitals, and research settings to assess various kidney functions, monitor hydration levels, detect certain medical conditions like kidney disease or diabetes, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments or medications. The specific gravity measurements obtained with a urogravimeter are often interpreted in conjunction with other urine tests to provide a comprehensive analysis of a patient's urinary health.
Urinometer, an instrument for determining the specific gravity of the urine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word urogravimeter is derived from combining the Greek roots ouron meaning urine and graphein meaning to write or to measure. The suffix -meter indicates that it is an instrument used for measurement. Therefore, urogravimeter literally means an instrument for measuring urine.