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Uric acid urine test

 

The uric acid urine test measures the level of uric acid in urine.

Uric acid level can also be checked using a blood test.

How the Test is Performed

A 24-hour urine sample is often needed. You will need to collect your urine over 24 hours . Your health care provider will tell you how to do this. Follow instructions exactly so that the results are accurate.

How to Prepare for the Test

 

Your health care provider may ask you to temporarily stop taking medicines that may affect the test results. Be sure to tell your provider about all the medicines you take. These include:

  • Aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines
  • Gout medicines
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
  • Water pills (diuretics)

DO NOT stop taking any medicine before talking to your provider.

Be aware that alcoholic drinks, vitamin C, and x-ray dye can also affect test results.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

This test may be done to help determine the cause of a high uric acid level in the blood. It may also be done to monitor people with gout, and to choose the best medicine to lower the uric acid level in the blood.

Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Most uric acid dissolves in blood and travels to the kidneys, where it passes out in urine. If your body produces too much uric acid or does not remove enough of it, you may get sick. A high level of uric acid in the body is called hyperuricemia and it can lead to gout or kidney damage.

This test may also be done to check whether a high uric acid level is causing kidney stones.

 

Normal Results

 

Normal values range from 250 to 750 milligrams per 24 hours (1.48 to 4.43 millimoles per 24 hours).

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

A high uric acid level in the urine may be due to:

  • Body not being able to process purine ( Lesch-Nyhan syndrome)
  • Certain cancers that have spread (metastasized)
  • Disease that results in breakdown of muscle fibers ( rhabdomyolysis )
  • Disorders that affect the bone marrow (myeloproliferative disorder)
  • Fanconi syndrome
  • Gout
  • High-purine diet

A low uric acid level in the urine may be due to:

  • Kidney that is not able to get rid of uric acid well, which can lead to gout or kidney damage
  • Kidneys that are not able to filter fluids and waste normally (chronic glomerulonephritis )
  • Lead poisoning
  • Long-term (chronic) alcohol use

 

Risks

 

There are no risks with this test.

 

 

References

Burns CM, Wortmann RL. Clinical features and treatment of gout. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, et al., eds. Kelly's Textbook of Rheumatology . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 95.

Inker LA, Fan L, Levey AS. Assessment of renal function. In: Johnson RJ, Feehally J, Floege J. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 3.

Landry DW, Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 114.

McPherson RA, Ben-Ezra J. Basic examination of urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 28.

 
  • Nitrogen test - illustration

    Urea nitrogen urine test is performed to check for the amount of urea in urine. Urine is collected over a 24 hour period and is sent to the laboratory for testing. This test is mainly used to assess the amount of dietary protein needed by severely ill patients.

    Nitrogen test

    illustration

  • Uric acid test - illustration

    Uric acid urine test is performed to check for the amount of uric acid in urine. Urine is collected over a 24 hour period and is sent to the laboratory for testing. The most common reason for measuring uric acid levels is in the diagnosis or treatment of gout, because gout results from crystallization of uric acid crystals in joints. Some kidney stones are also composed of uric acid.

    Uric acid test

    illustration

  • Uric acid crystals - illustration

    These spiked rods are uric acid crystals photographed under polarized light. Increased uric acid blood levels and formation of uric acid crystals in the joints are associated with gout.

    Uric acid crystals

    illustration

    • Nitrogen test - illustration

      Urea nitrogen urine test is performed to check for the amount of urea in urine. Urine is collected over a 24 hour period and is sent to the laboratory for testing. This test is mainly used to assess the amount of dietary protein needed by severely ill patients.

      Nitrogen test

      illustration

    • Uric acid test - illustration

      Uric acid urine test is performed to check for the amount of uric acid in urine. Urine is collected over a 24 hour period and is sent to the laboratory for testing. The most common reason for measuring uric acid levels is in the diagnosis or treatment of gout, because gout results from crystallization of uric acid crystals in joints. Some kidney stones are also composed of uric acid.

      Uric acid test

      illustration

    • Uric acid crystals - illustration

      These spiked rods are uric acid crystals photographed under polarized light. Increased uric acid blood levels and formation of uric acid crystals in the joints are associated with gout.

      Uric acid crystals

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Talking to your MD

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Uric acid urine test

         

         

        Review Date: 8/29/2015

        Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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