Serum or plasma concentration of uric acid (substance concentration)
This test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood, a natural substance produced when your body breaks down certain foods and substances, including purines found in meat and seafood.
["Uric acid helps identify conditions like gout or kidney issues by tracking blood levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 96966-7
- Short code
- CD79AMUT
- Synonyms
- CD79A Mut Anl Bld/T
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- EDTA (purple-top) tube for blood; sterile container with appropriate transport medium for tissue specimens
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 81276
- SNOMED
- 428501000124105
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL whole blood in EDTA tube; tissue specimens should be at least 5 mm³ placed in sterile saline or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block
- Stability
- Whole blood: stable for 48-72 hours at room temperature (15-25°C); 1 week at 2-8°C. Tissue specimens: FFPE blocks stable at room temperature for extended periods; fresh tissue should be processed within 24-48 hours or frozen at -70°C or below.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 168–336 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Uric acid is a waste product your body creates when breaking down certain compounds. High levels can cause gout, kidney stones, or other health problems. Low levels may signal metabolic or genetic conditions. This test helps doctors monitor these risks and guide treatment.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a broader metabolic panel. Wear loose clothing and avoid tight sleeves for easy vein access.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. The blood is sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, but exact values depend on the lab. High uric acid levels may trigger follow-up for conditions like gout or kidney disease, while low levels may warrant further evaluation for metabolic disorders.
Reference range
Negative for CD79A gene mutations. Reference range is qualitative; results reported as Detected (Mutated) or Not Detected (Wild-type).N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any recent blood transfusions, bone marrow transplantation, or chemotherapy, as these may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Uric Acid
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What causes uric acid levels to change?
Can I adjust my diet before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy