Uric Acid, Serum or Plasma Concentration
This test measures the amount of uric acid, a waste product from your body’s breakdown of certain foods and substances, in your blood.
["Uric acid levels help diagnose and monitor conditions like gout or kidney issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53311-7
- Short code
- Urate Cry #/area Ur Comp Assist
- Synonyms
- Urate Cry #/area Ur Comp Assist
- 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
- Method
- computer-assisted
- 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 this test to check for high uric acid levels, which can cause gout or kidney problems. It might also be used to monitor treatment for conditions like kidney disease or certain medications that affect uric acid levels.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves drawing blood from your arm. If it’s a 24-hour urine test, you’ll need to collect all urine for a full day.
What Happens During the Test
For a blood test, a healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. For a urine test, you’ll collect all urine over a 24-hour period in a special container. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, but exact values can vary by lab. High levels may suggest gout, kidney disease, or other conditions. Low levels might indicate certain metabolic disorders or medications affecting uric acid.
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.
Elevated uric acid levels often point to gout, kidney dysfunction, or metabolic syndrome. Repeatedly high levels can damage joints, kidneys, or blood vessels. Low levels may require further investigation to rule out underlying metabolic or genetic conditions.
Short name
Uric Acid
Frequently asked questions
What causes high uric acid levels?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet affect uric acid test results?
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