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Uric Acid, 24-Hour Urine Collection (Total)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of uric acid excreted in your urine over a 24-hour period. Uric acid is a waste product from the breakdown of certain compounds in your body, including purines found in foods and certain medications.

Quick summary

["Assessing how well your body removes uric acid through urine can help identify potential kidney issues or gout-related problems."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
35253-4
Short code
Urate 24h Ur-msCnc
Synonyms
Urate 24h Ur-msCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
20
Ref high
400
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82670
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 Is Done

Doctors may order a 24-hour urine uric acid test to evaluate kidney function, diagnose conditions like gout, or check for abnormal uric acid levels that might indicate metabolic disorders. It’s also used when symptoms like joint pain, kidney stones, or recurrent infections suggest uric acid-related issues.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, starting from one point in the morning (often right after waking up) until the same time the next day. Empty your bladder at the start and end of the collection period. Store urine in a refrigerator or at room temperature in a clean container, adding fresh urine as you go. Avoid foods high in purines (like organ meats, red meat, or alcohol) if instructed by your doctor.

During the Test

No special preparation is needed beyond the urine collection. Your healthcare provider will send the collected urine sample to a lab for analysis. The test measures the total uric acid content in your urine over the full day.

What the Results Mean

Results help determine if uric acid levels in urine are higher or lower than expected. Elevated levels may suggest kidney problems, gout, or other metabolic conditions, while very low levels might indicate certain genetic or metabolic disorders. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and overall health.

Reference range

Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A

Specimen: urine

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 uric acid in urine can indicate conditions like gout, kidney stones, or kidney disease. It may also be linked to metabolic syndrome or other systemic disorders. Low levels might raise concerns about genetic disorders affecting purine metabolism or kidney function. Regular monitoring is important for patients with known gout, kidney disease, or those taking medications that affect uric acid metabolism.

Short name

Urine Uric Acid (24 hr)

Frequently asked questions

How is this test different from a single urine uric acid test?
A single urine uric acid test measures uric acid at one point in time, while a 24-hour urine collection provides a full picture of daily uric acid excretion. This longer test is more accurate for diagnosing conditions like kidney disease or gout, as it accounts for natural daily variations in uric acid levels.
What foods should I avoid before this test?
If instructed by your doctor, avoid high-purine foods (like red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol) for 24 hours before the test to get a more accurate reading. Some medications (e.g., diuretics) may also affect uric acid levels, so check with your provider if you’re taking any.
Can I take my usual medications on the day of the test?
Yes, you can take your usual medications unless your doctor specifically instructs otherwise. However, avoid over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs) that can temporarily raise uric acid levels, as they may skew results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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