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Alternative names Return to top
UricosuriaDefinition Return to top
The uric acid urine test measures the amount of uric acid in urine.How the test is performed Return to top
A 24-hour urine sample is needed. The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.Infant:
Thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For males, the entire penis can be placed in the bag and the adhesive attached to the skin. For females, the bag is placed over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.
This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can displace the bag, causing the specimen to be absorbed by the diaper. The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated into the bag. The urine is drained into the container for transport to the laboratory.
Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.
How to prepare for the test Return to top
The health care provider may advise you to discontinue drugs that can affect the test (see "special considerations").How the test will feel Return to top
The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.Why the test is performed Return to top
The most common reason for measuring uric acid levels is for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney stones. Patients with gout may also be evaluated using this test, since a significant number of patients with gout develop uric acid kidney stones.
Uric acid is the end-product of purine catabolism. Purines (such as adenine and guanine) are components of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of the nucleic acids such as RNA and DNA.
Normal Values Return to top
Normal values range from 250 to 750 mg/24 hours. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.What abnormal results mean Return to top
Abnormal results are indicated as follows:
Greater-than-normal urinary uric acid levels may indicate:
Lower-than-normal urinary uric acid levels may indicate:
Special considerations Return to top
Interfering factors for this test include: Drugs that can interfere with test results include: alcohol, anti-inflammatory drugs (such as NSAIDs), salicylates, thiazide diuretics, allopurinol, and probenecid. Update Date: 2/11/2004 Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |