Quantitative measurement of uric acid in serum/plasma
This test checks the amount of uric acid in your blood, a substance produced when your body breaks down certain foods and natural compounds.
["Uric acid helps identify conditions like gout or kidney issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9941-6
- Short code
- Q wave dur L-II
- Synonyms
- Q wave dur L-II
- 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 doctor may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions such as gout, kidney disease, or high uric acid levels that could lead to kidney stones. It may also be used to check for metabolic disorders or to evaluate how well your body is processing certain substances.
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 you’re having a urine test, drink plenty of fluids the day before to ensure a sufficient sample.
What Happens During the Test?
For a blood test, a healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. For a urine test, you’ll collect a sample over a 24-hour period (unless specified otherwise), typically by urinating into a container every time you go. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are reported as a concentration of uric acid in your blood or urine. While reference ranges vary by lab, higher or lower levels may signal potential health concerns that require further evaluation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High uric acid levels in the blood (hyperuricemia) may indicate gout, kidney problems, or other metabolic conditions. Repeatedly high levels can lead to kidney stones or damage to joints and tissues. Low levels may suggest certain genetic disorders or liver/kidney dysfunction. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Short name
Uric Acid Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes high uric acid levels?
What are the symptoms of high uric acid?
How is uric acid treated?
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