Uric Acid, 24-Hour Urine Collection with Differential Measurement
This test measures the amount of uric acid excreted in your urine over a full day. Uric acid is a waste product your body creates when breaking down certain foods and substances.
["Understanding your uric acid excretion helps assess kidney function and potential risks for conditions like gout or kidney stones."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101735-9
- Short code
- Urate Cry 24h EngDiff Ur
- Synonyms
- Urate Cry 24h EngDiff Ur
- 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 healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like joint pain, kidney problems, or if you’re at risk for conditions linked to high uric acid levels. It can also help diagnose or monitor certain metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for 24 hours, starting and ending with your first morning urine. Store the sample at room temperature and bring the entire collection to the lab. Follow any specific instructions your provider gives you.
How the Test Works
The test measures the total uric acid in your urine over a day. Some labs may also analyze the urine for patterns of uric acid excretion, such as whether it’s consistently high or varies throughout the day.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if your kidneys are effectively removing uric acid or if levels are unusually high. Elevated results may indicate conditions like gout, kidney disease, or certain genetic disorders.
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: Uric Acid and Kidney Health
Short name
Uric Acid (24h Urine)
Frequently asked questions
What causes high uric acid levels in urine?
What should I do if my uric acid levels are high?
Does diet affect 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