24-Hour Urinary Uric Acid Rate
This test measures how much uric acid is excreted in your urine over a full day. Uric acid is a waste product formed when your body breaks down certain foods and substances, and it’s normally filtered out by your kidneys.
["Understanding your daily uric acid excretion helps assess kidney function and potential risk for conditions like gout or kidney stones."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58990-3
- Short code
- Urate 18h Ur-mRate
- Synonyms
- Urate 18h Ur-mRate
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like joint pain, kidney issues, or if they suspect an imbalance in how your body processes uric acid. It can also be used to monitor treatment progress for conditions affecting uric acid levels.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll collect all your urine over a 24-hour period, typically starting and ending at the same time each day. Store the urine in a refrigerator until you return it to the lab.
How the Test Works
The collected urine sample is analyzed to determine the total amount of uric acid excreted. This measurement helps evaluate kidney function and uric acid metabolism.
What the Results Mean
Results provide a daily total of uric acid in your urine, which can help identify whether your kidneys are effectively filtering waste or if there’s an excess of uric acid being produced or retained.
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.
High levels of uric acid in urine over 24 hours may indicate conditions like gout, kidney stones, or kidney disease. Low levels could suggest metabolic issues or improper kidney function. This test is particularly useful for monitoring patients with known uric acid-related disorders or those undergoing treatments for such conditions.
Short name
Urate 24h Rate
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated uric acid levels in urine?
How is this test different from a simple uric acid blood test?
Can I take medications before collecting my urine sample?
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