Serum or plasma concentration of uric acid (mass 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 with normal metabolism, but high levels may indicate health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49676-0
- Short code
- LPT 1 umol Be 5D Bld-Rto
- Synonyms
- LPT 1 umol Be 5D Bld-Rto
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test to check for conditions like gout, kidney problems, or high uric acid levels that could lead to kidney stones or other health issues. It may also be used during routine health evaluations or if you have symptoms such as joint pain, kidney issues, or unexplained fatigue.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s a fasting uric acid level, but this depends on your provider’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, but exact values can vary by lab. High uric acid levels may signal conditions like gout, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders, while very low levels might indicate certain genetic or liver issues. Your provider will discuss these findings with you.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated uric acid levels are often linked to gout, kidney stones, or hypertension. Chronic high levels can also contribute to kidney damage or cardiovascular risks. Low levels may raise concerns about liver function or genetic disorders, so results should always be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of your overall health.
Short name
Uric Acid Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should uric acid levels be checked?
What causes uric acid levels to rise?
Can diet changes lower uric acid levels?
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