Serum or plasma concentration of uric acid (substance concentration)
This test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood or plasma. Uric acid is a waste product your body creates when it breaks down certain foods and substances, including purines found in meat and seafood.
["Uric acid levels help identify conditions like gout or kidney issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42314-5
- Short code
- XR Ribs-R 1V
- Synonyms
- XR Ribs-R 1V
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like joint pain, kidney problems, or if you’re at risk for conditions like gout or kidney stones. It can also help monitor treatments for certain diseases.
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’s part of a more complex evaluation. Bring any medications you’re taking, as some can affect results.
How the Test Is Done
A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab to measure uric acid levels using an automated method that detects its presence in the blood or plasma.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, but individual ranges can vary. High levels may suggest conditions like gout or kidney problems, while very low levels might indicate certain metabolic disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) are often linked to gout, kidney stones, or kidney disease. Repeatedly high levels can damage joints and organs over time. Low levels may raise concerns about metabolic disorders or malabsorption issues, though this is less common.
Short name
Uric Acid
Frequently asked questions
What causes uric acid levels to be high?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet changes 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy