Serum or plasma mass concentration of uric acid
This test measures the amount of uric acid, a natural substance produced when the body breaks down certain foods and substances, including purines found in meat and fish. High levels may indicate conditions like gout or kidney issues.
["Uric acid helps identify potential kidney problems or gout risk."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17293-2
- Short code
- MuV IgG+IgM Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- MuV IgG+IgM Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 kidney function, diagnose gout, or evaluate conditions affecting how your body processes uric acid. It can also help monitor treatments for these conditions.
What Does the Result Mean?
Results are not provided with specific numeric ranges here. Your doctor will interpret the result in relation to your overall health and symptoms. High levels may signal kidney problems or gout, while very low levels could indicate certain metabolic disorders.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is processed to measure uric acid levels. No special preparation is typically needed, but follow your doctor’s instructions if given.
What Are Common Causes of High or Low Levels?
High uric acid levels may be caused by diet (e.g., high-purine foods), kidney problems, certain medications, or genetic factors. Low levels are less common but may result from metabolic disorders or overproduction of uric acid.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Uric Acid Level
Frequently asked questions
High uric acid levels can lead to gout, kidney stones, or kidney damage. It may also indicate overactive thyroid or other metabolic conditions. Low levels are less frequently associated with clinical issues but could warrant further investigation.
If your uric acid level is high, your doctor may recommend dietary changes, medications to lower uric acid, or increased fluid intake to help prevent complications like gout attacks or kidney stones.
No specific diet restrictions are usually required for this test, but avoid very high-purine foods (e.g., organ meats, shellfish) if your doctor suggests it. Always follow your lab’s instructions for best 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