Quick Answer: The Urinometer is a small, calibrated glass hydrometer built specifically to measure the specific gravity of urine samples in clinical and laboratory settings, supporting basic hydration and renal-function assessment alongside other diagnostic tests.
Product Description
Like our other hydrometers, the Urinometer works on the buoyancy principle: it floats to a depth that corresponds to the density of the sample it is placed in. Because it is scaled specifically for the density range typical of urine (rather than water, milk, or general industrial liquids), it is a purpose-built clinical instrument rather than a general-purpose density tool. Urine specific gravity readings are used by hospitals and medical laboratories as one of several indicators in basic urinalysis.
What Makes This Instrument Distinct
The Urinometer’s compact size and narrow-range scale set it apart from industrial or dairy hydrometers — it is designed to work with the small sample volumes typical of a urine specimen jar, and its calibration reflects the density range relevant to human urine rather than a broader industrial scale. It is made from high-clarity glass so the scale markings remain easy to read against the sample.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Specific-gravity hydrometer, clinical/urine-calibrated |
| Material | High-clarity glass |
| Working Principle | Buoyancy / Archimedes’ principle |
| Typical Use | Hospital and clinical laboratories, basic urinalysis, renal-function/hydration screening |
| Exact Scale Range / Graduations | Confirm with our sales team for the exact scale and graduation interval on this listing |
Care & Maintenance
- Follow your facility’s biosafety protocol for handling and disposing of any instrument that has contacted a clinical sample.
- Rinse and disinfect according to laboratory standard operating procedure immediately after each use.
- Store upright in a padded holder — the weighted glass bulb at the base is the most fragile part.
- Avoid dropping or knocking the instrument against glassware, as chips near the scale can make readings unreliable.
- Periodically verify accuracy against a known reference standard as part of routine quality checks.
Why Choose LabEquip
LabEquip supplies hydrometers and measuring instruments for clinical, dairy, and industrial laboratories, with clear and honest product information. Browse our Measuring Instruments category for related density instruments, see our dairy-focused Lactometer, or visit our homepage for our full catalogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a urinometer used for?
A urinometer measures the specific gravity of a urine sample, a reading used as part of basic urinalysis in clinical and hospital laboratories.
How does a urinometer work?
It works on the principle of buoyancy — the float sits at a depth in the sample that corresponds to the sample’s density, and the stem’s scale is read at the liquid surface.
How is this different from a lactometer or general hydrometer?
A urinometer’s scale is calibrated specifically for the density range of urine and sized for small clinical sample volumes, whereas a lactometer is scaled for milk and general hydrometers cover broader industrial ranges.
Does a urinometer diagnose a medical condition on its own?
No. Specific gravity is one indicator among several used in urinalysis; results are interpreted by clinical staff alongside other tests.
How should I clean a urinometer between uses?
Follow your facility’s biosafety and cleaning protocol for instruments that contact clinical samples, and rinse and disinfect it immediately after each use.
How should I store a urinometer?
Store it upright in a padded holder to protect the fragile weighted bulb at its base from impact damage.
Last Updated: September 2026
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