Skip to practical collection
MEDIVEERSETHE PRACTICAL HUB
Back to biochemistry instrumentsBDS + MBBS / 1st Year · 17 / 20
BIOCHEMISTRY / INSTRUMENT REFERENCE1 / 1 reference
Urinometer with measuring cylinder — historical hydrometer reference
100%
1
Graduated stem

Carries the specific-gravity scale; read according to the instrument’s meniscus and calibration instructions.

Zoom in, then drag to inspect. Keyboard: + / − to zoom, arrows to pan, 0 to reset. Tap the numbered markers to explore parts.

Urinometer with measuring cylinder — historical hydrometer reference

Image: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/e8/b8/a7399252090e0e77515638102dfe.jpg Gallery: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/L0058014.html Wellcome Collection gallery (2018-04-06): https://wellcomecollection.org/works/t8maf9uh CC-BY-4.0 · Source / original · CC BY 4.0

Resized and converted to WebP; original colours retained.

Urinometer

Mass & density

Urinometer

Urine hydrometer · specific gravity meter

THE FIRST VIVA QUESTION

What is its use?

Estimates urine specific gravity by flotation in a suitable specimen volume.

Tap a number to locate its part. Zoom, drag or use full screen to inspect the reference. Models and graduations can differ; check the actual apparatus used in your laboratory.

01 / IDENTIFICATION

How to recognise it.

  1. Floating glass hydrometer
  2. Weighted lower bulb
  3. Graduated narrow stem
Tell the difference.

A refractometer estimates specific gravity from optical properties; a urinometer measures buoyancy.

02 / NUMBERED PARTS

Point them out.

Choose a part to bring its numbered marker into view.

03 / WORKING PRINCIPLE

The science behind the reading.

At equilibrium, the displaced liquid supports the hydrometer’s weight; floating depth depends on liquid density.

04 / VIVA PRACTICE

Think first. Then reveal.

Explain your answer aloud before opening it.

01What is specific gravity?
SUGGESTED ANSWER

The ratio of a sample’s density to a reference water density under defined conditions; it is dimensionless.

02Why must the float not touch the container?
SUGGESTED ANSWER

Contact interferes with free flotation and distorts the reading.

03Why check temperature?
SUGGESTED ANSWER

Density and the instrument calibration depend on temperature.

04Does one reading establish a diagnosis?
SUGGESTED ANSWER

No. Interpret with the specimen, method, clinical context and other results.

Read the references.

Teaching and clinical references are listed here. Image attribution and licence appear below the viewer.