Serum or plasma concentration of uric acid (rate of excretion or clearance)
This test measures how efficiently your kidneys filter and remove uric acid from your blood. Uric acid is a waste product from breaking down certain foods and substances in your body, and it can build up if your kidneys aren’t working properly.
["Assesses kidney function related to uric acid metabolism and clearance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45368-8
- Short code
- LPT 5 ug CA Bld-nRate
- Synonyms
- LPT 5 ug CA Bld-nRate
- 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 Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), or if you have symptoms like frequent urination, swelling, or high blood pressure. It can also help evaluate how well your kidneys are handling waste products like uric acid, which can sometimes contribute to conditions like gout.
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 your blood is drawn, but if it’s a urine-based clearance test, you’ll need to collect a 24-hour urine sample starting after an initial blood draw.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn to measure uric acid levels, and urine is collected over 24 hours to measure how much uric acid is excreted. The test compares these values to estimate how well your kidneys are clearing uric acid from your bloodstream.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results are typically reported as a clearance rate (e.g., in milliliters per minute). Lower than expected clearance may indicate kidney dysfunction, while higher values could suggest overproduction of uric acid or errors in collection.
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.
Low uric acid clearance can signal kidney disease, including reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is critical for filtering waste. Elevated uric acid levels alone may not be enough to diagnose clearance issues, but this test helps assess kidney function in conjunction with other tests like GFR or serum creatinine.
Short name
Uric acid clearance
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Low Clearance Rate Mean?
What Does a High Clearance Rate Indicate?
Does Diet Affect 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