URIC ACID, 24 HOUR URINE

The Uric Acid 24-Hour Urine Test measures the total amount of uric acid that the body excretes through urine in a 24-hour period. Uric acid is a waste product from purines in the body's food and tissues. The Uric Acid 24-Hour Urine Test will help your doctor determine how well your kidneys are clearing uric acid and lt will help them diagnose gout, kidney stones, or certain metabolic disorders. The Uric Acid 24-Hour Urine test is helpful for general health monitoring, refresh treatment options, or to see if treatment is having an effect. 

Process

• You will want to wake up in the morning and first empty your bladder and discard that urine. Note the time.
• After that morning time, you will want to collect all of your urine in the following 24 hours. The urine can be collected by the technician in a sterile container and should be kept cool or refrigerated until you return it. 
• After that 24 hour period is complete, you will want to collect the final urine sample, mark the end time, and return the collection container to the laboratory. 

When to Get Tested

You may need this test if you have signs or symptoms of gout, kidney stones, or other unexplained joint pain or if your doctor wishes to test you for kidney or metabolic function. The Uric Acid 24-Hour Urine Test is also a useful test to follow patients while they are under treatment that may alter uric acid levels. 

Sample Requirements

A full 24-hour urine collection in the specified container.

Test Preparation

If your doctor has instructed you to avoid medications, alcohol, and vitamin C prior to and during the test, be sure to follow those instructions. It is important to follow all directions so results are accurate.

Result Interpretation

Test results will tell you how much uric acid your body produces and eliminates. The results will tell the doctor if you have abnormally high or low uric acid levels and may even inform the doctor if the metabolism is compromised or the kidney is not functioning properly. However, always keep in mind that your doctor will review the results with the finding from other tests and clinical presentation/ symptoms, so you should follow any recommendation from the doctor for further testing or treatment.