Uric Acid 24 Hour Urine
Also known as Uric Acid Automated 24 Hour UrineWhat is this test?
Uric Acid Automated Random Urine Test is used to measure the uric acid levels released per 24 hours in the urine from a 24-hour urine sample.
What is uric acid?
Uric acid is a chemical formed when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are usually produced naturally in the body and also found in certain food and drinks like peas, dried beans, mackerel, liver, beer, etc. Normally uric acids get dissolved in the blood and transported to the kidneys and pass out through urine. It is also removed from the body through feces.
Excess uric levels in the body can be due to overproduction, improper elimination or both. The presence of more amount of uric acid in the body may cause gout a condition of inflammation of joints. High levels of uric acid may also cause kidney stones or kidney failure.
Why this test is performed?
This test is performed to know whether an individual is having abnormal uric acid levels in the urine. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you have gout or if you experience any signs and symptoms of gout such as swelling in a joint, red or discoloration around a joint, or a joint that is hot to the touch. This test is also recommended in individuals with kidney stones or if you experience any signs and symptoms of kidney stones such as severe back pain, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, fever or chills. You may be advised from this test if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment due to the risk of accumulation of uric acid in the body.
How often this test is performed?
If you have a family history of kidney problems or gout, your doctor may ask you to perform this test on a 6-monthly basis or a yearly basis. Patients with kidney disorders and/ or gout should perform this test on a regular basis, as instructed by the doctor.
Precautions:
Certain medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and water pills may alter the test results. Inform your doctor about all the medications you take before the test.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Uric Acid 24 Hour Urine. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Uric Acid 24 Hour Urine.
Healthcare professional may ask you to collect the urine sample in a sterile container over a 24 hour period. Follow all the appropriate instructions given by the healthcare professional during and after the urine sample collection. Submit the collected urine samples in the lab for the test.
Understanding your test results
If the test results fall in the normal reference range generally no medical intervention is necessary.
If the test results show high uric acid levels than the normal range it may indicate gout or kidney stones. Increased uric acid levels can also be due to kidney disease, liver disease, bone marrow disorders such as leukemia or metastatic cancer. Individuals who are obese or who take a diet high in foods containing purines also may show high uric acid levels.
If the test results show low uric acid levels than the normal range it may indicate lead poisoning. Individuals who consume alcohol or who take a diet low in purines also may show low uric acid levels.
If you have higher or lower levels of uric acid in the urine consult your doctor for further instructions. Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | 250-750 mg/24hrs |