Uric Acid, 24-Hour Urinary Collection (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the total amount of uric acid excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of certain substances in your body, including purines found in foods and certain medications.
["Assessing how much uric acid your body removes helps identify potential kidney issues or gout risk."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57332-9
- Short code
- Urate 12h Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Urate 12h Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 7.2
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Uric acid is a natural byproduct of metabolism, but high levels can contribute to kidney stones, gout, or other health problems. A 24-hour urine collection ensures you’re measuring the true amount excreted over a full day, rather than just a single sample.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, starting from one point in the morning (often midnight or shortly after). Empty your bladder at the start and end times, then store all urine in a special container. Bring the full sample to your lab for testing.
How the Test Works
The lab analyzes the collected urine sample to determine the total uric acid mass over the period. This method helps detect patterns of excretion that may indicate kidney function or metabolic issues.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like joint pain (gout), kidney problems, or if uric acid levels in blood tests seem unusually high. It’s also used to monitor chronic conditions like kidney disease or gout treatment.
Reference range
NCBI: Uric Acid Male 3.5-7.2 mg/dL; Female 2.5-6.8 mg/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
24-Hour Urine Uric Acid
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the 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