URIC ACID, 24HRS URINE

Uric Acid, 24 Hours Urine

What it is

The Uric Acid 24 Hours Urine test measures the total amount of uric acid excreted in urine over a 24-hour period. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines, which are found in certain foods and also naturally in the body. Abnormal uric acid levels can indicate problems with kidney function, metabolism, or gout risk.

Uses

This test is used to evaluate kidney function, detect causes of kidney stones, monitor gout and hyperuricemia, and investigate metabolic disorders that affect uric acid production or excretion. It helps determine whether high uric acid in the blood is due to overproduction or under-excretion.

Symptoms That May Lead to the Test

Doctors may recommend this test if you have symptoms like joint pain, swelling, recurrent kidney stones, lower back or abdominal pain, blood in urine, or if you are being monitored for gout or uric acid-related disorders.

Abnormal Results

High Uric Acid in Urine: May indicate gout, kidney stones, leukemia, lymphoma, or excessive dietary purines. Can also occur in certain metabolic conditions or after chemotherapy.

Low Uric Acid in Urine: Suggests kidney disease, lead poisoning, or genetic disorders affecting uric acid metabolism.

Risks

The test itself has no direct risks since it requires only urine collection over 24 hours. The main challenge is proper collection and storage of the urine sample to ensure accurate results.