Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in some foods and drinks, such as liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans and peas, beer, and wine. Purines are also a part of normal body substances, such as DNA.

Most uric acid dissolves in blood and travels to the kidneys, where it passes out in urine. If your body produces too much uric acid or doesn't remove enough of it, you may get sick. High levels of uric acid in the body is called hyperuricemia.

This test checks to see how much uric acid you have in your urine.

See also: Uric acid - blood

A 24-hour urine sample is needed. See: 24-hour urine collection.

Your doctor may tell you to stop taking any drugs that may affect the test results. For example, high levels of vitamin C and dyes used during certain x-rays may cause incorrect results.

Drugs that can interfere with test results include:

• Alcohol
• Allopurinol
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen)
• Salicylates (including aspirin)
• Thiazide diuretics
• Probenecid

This list may not be all-inclusive.

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

This test may be done to diagnose the cause of kidney stones. It may also be used to monitor people with gout, since many of these patients develop uric acid kidney stones.

Images

Uric acid crystals

Nitrogen test

Uric acid test

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Uric acid Results

Review Date: 08/10/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)