Uric Acid, 24-Hour Urine Collection
This test measures the amount of uric acid, a waste product from your body, over a full day through your urine. It helps assess how well your kidneys are removing uric acid from your blood.
["This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions affecting uric acid levels, such as gout or kidney function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18379-8
- Short code
- Urate 6h Ur-mRate
- Synonyms
- Urate 6h 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 Is Done
Your doctor may order a 24-hour urine uric acid test if they suspect you have high uric acid levels in your blood (hyperuricemia), which can lead to gout or kidney stones. It may also be used to check how well your kidneys are working or to monitor treatment for conditions like kidney disease or certain cancers.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after midnight one day and ending just after midnight the next. Drink plenty of fluids to help your urine flow, but avoid foods high in purines (like red meat, organ meats, and alcohol) unless your doctor advises otherwise.
How the Test Is Done
You’ll provide a single sample of your 24-hour urine collection in a special container. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. Your doctor may also ask you to keep a food and fluid diary to track intake during the collection period.
What the Results Mean
Results are usually reported as the total amount of uric acid excreted in your urine over 24 hours. High levels may indicate kidney problems, gout, or other metabolic conditions. Low levels might suggest dehydration or certain medications affecting uric acid metabolism.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Uric Acid (24-hour)
Frequently asked questions
What are the normal reference ranges for this test?
How often should I get this test?
Can I take medications before or during the 24-hour urine collection?
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