Uric Acid, Urine Test

This uric acid test measures Uric Acid levels in a urine sample. Uric Acid is produced by the breakdown of cells as they grow old and deteriorate. Most uric acid is filtered by the kidneys and removed from the body in urine. If too much uric acid builds up in the blood it can form into crystals in the joints causing a form of arthritis known as gout. Excess uric acid can also cause the development of kidney stones or cause kidney failure. Impaired kidney function can affect the body’s ability to properly remove uric acid. Elevated uric acid levels can also be caused by conditions which cause an increase in cell breakdown such as certain types of cancer treatment.

A Urine Uric Acid test is sometimes ordered along with a Blood Uric Acid test to screen a person for conditions such as gout, leukemia or kidney disease. In many cases, a 24 Hour Urine Uric Acid test may be more effective at measuring Uric Acid levels.

Turnaround for this test is typically 1-3 business days.