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 how your body processes this waste product."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36787-0
- Short code
- MRA UE vv-R
- Synonyms
- MRA UE vv-R
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr-angio
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to check for gout (a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals), evaluate kidney function, or monitor conditions like kidney stones, high blood pressure, or certain cancers. It can also help diagnose or manage metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but avoid eating or drinking anything (except water) for 8–12 hours before the test if instructed. If you’re on a low-purine diet, follow your doctor’s advice.
How the Test Works
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The lab then uses a sensitive method (like immunoassay or enzymatic testing) to measure uric acid levels in your serum or plasma.
What the Results Mean
High levels may signal gout, kidney problems, or conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Low levels are less common but could indicate certain genetic disorders or overuse of medications that lower uric acid.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Uric acid levels can vary based on diet, hydration, and underlying health conditions. High levels are often linked to joint pain (gout), kidney stones, or metabolic syndrome, while persistently low levels may warrant further investigation for rare genetic causes.
Short name
Uric Acid
Frequently asked questions
What causes high uric acid levels in my blood?
Can I lower my uric acid naturally?
When should I ask my doctor about my uric acid results?
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