Serum or plasma concentration of uric acid (mass concentration)
This test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a waste product your body creates when it breaks down certain foods and substances, including purines found in meat and seafood.
["Uric acid helps identify conditions like gout or kidney issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58720-4
- Short code
- LPT 2 ug CA Act/Nor Bld
- Synonyms
- LPT 2 ug CA Act/Nor Bld
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for high uric acid levels, which can lead to gout, kidney stones, or other health problems. It may also be used to monitor conditions like kidney disease or certain medications that affect uric acid levels.
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 involves a blood draw, but uric acid tests can often be done on any blood sample. If you’re taking medications that affect uric acid, let your provider know.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort but no lasting effects.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, but exact values can vary by lab. High levels may signal conditions like gout or kidney problems, while low levels might indicate certain metabolic disorders or medications affecting uric acid.
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 disease, or metabolic syndrome. Low levels may be associated with rare genetic disorders or certain medications. Regular monitoring can help manage these conditions and prevent complications.
Short name
Uric Acid
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What causes uric acid levels to change?
Do I need to avoid certain foods before the 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