Serum or plasma concentration of uric acid (substance concentration measurement)
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 protect joints and other tissues, but high levels can lead to health issues like gout or kidney stones."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 62442-9
- Short code
- nRBC Snv Auto-Rto
- Synonyms
- nRBC Snv Auto-Rto
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- fluid
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- automated-count
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 300
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test to check for conditions like gout, kidney disease, or to monitor treatment for conditions that affect uric acid levels, such as certain cancers or medications that influence purine metabolism.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves a blood draw. Avoid alcohol and certain medications (like aspirin) for 24 hours beforehand if instructed.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm, and sent to a lab for analysis. The lab measures uric acid levels using a specialized method, often an automated assay that detects the chemical’s presence.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results are compared to standard reference ranges, though individual ranges can vary by lab. High uric acid levels may signal conditions like hyperuricemia, while very low levels might warrant further investigation for metabolic or genetic causes.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated uric acid is most commonly linked to gout, kidney problems, or genetic disorders. It can also indicate overproduction of purines or impaired kidney function, which may require lifestyle adjustments, medication, or medical management to prevent complications like joint damage or kidney stones.
Short name
Uric Acid
Frequently asked questions
What causes uric acid levels to be high?
What happens if my uric acid levels are too low?
Do I need to avoid certain foods before 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy