24-Hour Urinary Uric Acid (Rate of Excretion)
This test measures how much uric acid your body excretes over 24 hours through your urine. Uric acid is a waste product from purines, which are found in foods and are produced naturally in the body.
["This test helps assess kidney function and gout risk by tracking uric acid elimination over a full day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17756-8
- Short code
- Urate 4h Ur-mRate
- Synonyms
- Urate 4h 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 Matters
Your kidneys normally filter uric acid from your blood and remove it from your body through urine. If uric acid levels are too high in your blood or urine, it can lead to kidney stones, gout, or other health issues. This test helps doctors check if your kidneys are working properly at removing uric acid.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect all of your urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting from one point in the morning (like when you wake up) and ending the next morning. The urine is then sent to a lab for analysis to determine the total amount of uric acid excreted.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed beyond collecting your urine over 24 hours. Drink plenty of fluids to help your kidneys work normally, but avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, as they can affect uric acid levels temporarily.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll need to keep a record of all urine output (including any accidents) in a container or special collection device provided by your healthcare team. Some urine may be discarded at the start or end of the collection period if it’s not part of the 24-hour window.
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
24hr Urine Uric Acid
Frequently asked questions
High uric acid levels in urine can indicate kidney problems, such as impaired kidney function or kidney stones. It may also suggest conditions like gout or other metabolic disorders that increase uric acid production. Doctors use this test to diagnose or monitor these conditions.
What does a high or low result mean?
How often should I get this 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