Urinometers are used to measure the specific gravity of urine, a measurement of its density. Specific gravity of urine fluctuates with the concentration of dissolved substances contained in the sample. Urine with low specific gravity can be a sign of diabetes or kidney problems.
The urinometer has a graduated scale divided into four divisions. The upper most division is marked with the letter W: this is the level where the instrument rests in pure water. The next division is maked by the letter H: this is the level where the instrument rests when immersed in urine from a healthy person. The letter S indicates strong but not as healthy as H. Diabetes is indicated when the instrument rests in the lower most division.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.