Serum or plasma concentration of uric acid (quantitative)
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. High levels may indicate conditions like gout or kidney issues.
["Uric acid levels help identify potential health risks like gout or kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8631-4
- Short code
- Q wave dur
- Synonyms
- Q wave dur
- 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 diagnose or monitor conditions such as gout, kidney disease, or to check for signs of metabolic disorders. It can also be used to evaluate how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood.
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’s part of a metabolic panel. Avoid strenuous activity or consuming alcohol for 24 hours beforehand.
During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but the procedure is quick and typically painless. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, but individual ranges can vary by lab. High uric acid levels may suggest overproduction or poor kidney function, while low levels might indicate certain genetic or metabolic conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Uric Acid Level
Frequently asked questions
High uric acid levels can lead to gout, kidney stones, or kidney damage. Repeatedly elevated levels may also be linked to other health issues like hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
A high uric acid level may indicate conditions like gout, kidney problems, or metabolic syndrome. It’s important to discuss your results with your doctor, as they’ll consider your full medical history and symptoms to determine the next steps.
How often should I get 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