Serum or plasma concentration of uric acid (substance concentration)
This test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood or plasma. Uric acid is a waste product made when your body breaks down certain foods and substances, including purines found in meat and seafood.
["Uric acid helps identify conditions like gout or kidney issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10052-9
- Short code
- S wave dur L-V1
- Synonyms
- S wave dur L-V1
- 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for high uric acid levels, which can cause gout or kidney stones. It may also be done to monitor kidney function, diagnose certain metabolic disorders, or evaluate symptoms like joint pain, kidney problems, or recurrent kidney stones.
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. If it’s a urine test, you might need to collect a sample over 24 hours. Always follow your provider’s instructions.
What to Expect During the Test
For a blood test, a healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. For a urine test, you’ll collect a sample in a container. The test is quick and generally painless, though you may feel a slight pinch during the draw.
What the Results Mean
High uric acid levels may suggest conditions like gout, kidney disease, or certain genetic disorders. Low levels might indicate liver or kidney problems, though this is less common. Your results will be compared to a reference range specific to your lab and health profile.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated uric acid levels can lead to gout, kidney stones, or kidney damage over time. It may also indicate underlying metabolic issues or poor kidney function. Low levels are less commonly significant but could signal liver or bone marrow disorders. Always discuss results with your provider for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Uric Acid
Frequently asked questions
How often should uric acid levels be checked?
What causes uric acid levels to be too high?
Can diet changes lower uric acid levels?
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