AN IMPROVED CONCENTRATION TEST OF RENAL FUNCTION

Authors:
  • FLF. H. Lashmet
    F. H. Lashmet
  • LNL. H. Newburgh
    L. H. Newburgh
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Abstract
In a previous publication1we pointed out that the specific gravity of the urine is an accurate measure of renal function if several standardized conditions are in effect. It was also intimated that this classic way of examining the kidneys was no longer popular because disregard of several fundamental features had destroyed the value of the readings. Among these is the failure to recognize the effect of albuminuria on the specific gravity. In the earlier paper it was shown that the specific gravity is increased 0.003 by the presence of 1 per cent of dissolved protein. It is then essential to know the extent of the albuminuria so that its effect may be subtracted from the observed specific gravity. The method employed by us in our earlier work was accurate but too laborious for use by the practitioner. We were, however, unable at that time to offer a practical