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Uric acid - urine

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Nitrogen test
Nitrogen test
Uric acid test
Uric acid test
Uric acid crystals
Uric acid crystals

Definition    Return to top

Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in some foods and drinks, such as liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans and peas, beer, and wine.

Most uric acid dissolves in blood and travels to the kidneys, where it passes out in urine. If your body produces too much uric acid or doesn't remove enough of it, you can get sick. High levels of uric acid in the body is called hyperuricemia.

This test checks to see how much uric acid you have in your urine.

See also: Uric acid - blood

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

A 24-hour urine sample is needed.

For an infant, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For males, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. For females, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.

This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can move the bag, causing the urine to be absorbed by the diaper. Check the infant frequently and change the bag after the infant has urinated into it. Drain the urine from the bag into the container provided by your health care provider.

Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

Your doctor may tell you to stop taking any drugs that may affect the test results. For example, high levels of vitamin C and dyes used during certain x-rays may cause incorrect results.

Drugs that can interfere with test results include:

This list may not be all-inclusive.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test may be done to diagnose kidney stones. It may also be used to monitor people with gout, since many of these patients develop uric acid kidney stones.

Normal Results    Return to top

Normal values range from 250 to 750 milligrams per 24 hours.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Higher than normal uric acid levels in the urine may be due to:

Lower than normal uric acid levels in the urine may be due to:

References    Return to top

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.

McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2006.

Update Date: 10/22/2007

Updated by: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Nephrology, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.