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Serum or plasma concentration of uric acid

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

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.

Quick summary

["Uric acid levels help diagnose and monitor conditions like gout or kidney issues."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
9951-5
Short code
QRS dur L-AVR
Synonyms
QRS dur L-AVR
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ekg
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 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 after treatments for conditions that affect uric acid levels.

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 drawing blood. If it’s a urine test, you might need to collect a sample over a 24-hour period, depending on the reason for testing.

What Happens During the Test?

For blood tests, a healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. For urine tests, you’ll collect a sample in a container. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.

What Are Possible Results?

Results are typically reported as a concentration value (e.g., milligrams per deciliter). High levels may suggest conditions like gout or kidney problems, while very low levels might indicate certain metabolic disorders.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Uric Acid

Frequently asked questions

What Are Common Causes of High or Low Results?
High uric acid levels can be caused by diet, kidney problems, certain medications, or genetic factors. Low levels are less common but may occur with certain metabolic disorders or after treatments that reduce uric acid production.
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Your provider will determine how often you need this test based on your health history, symptoms, and treatment plan. Regular monitoring may be needed if you have conditions like gout or kidney disease.
Can I Eat or Drink Normally Before the Test?
For fasting blood tests, avoid food and liquids (except water) for 8–12 hours before drawing blood. If it’s a 24-hour urine test, follow your provider’s instructions for collecting the sample correctly.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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