Uric Acid
Also known as: UA, Urate
Use
Uric acid measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of gout, renal failure, and a variety of other disorders including leukemia, psoriasis, starvation, and other wasting conditions. Patients receiving cytotoxic drugs may be monitored with uric acid measurements. Only a minority of individuals with hyperuricemia develop gout. An increased uric acid level does not necessarily translate to a diagnosis of gout.3 The therapeutic goal for uric acid-lowering therapy is to promote crystal dissolution and prevent crystal formation. This is achieved by maintaining a uric acid level <6 mg/dL.2
Special Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection. Maintain specimen at room temperature for stability up to 14 days. Additionally, the specimen can withstand up to three freeze-thaw cycles.
Limitations
Elevations of uric acid occur with increased purine synthesis, inherited metabolic disorders, excess dietary purine intake, increased nucleic acid turnover, malignancy, cytotoxic drugs, decreased excretion due to chronic renal failure, and increased renal reabsorption. Drugs causing increased uric acid concentration include diuretics, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and nicotinic acid. Conversely, drugs such as aspirin (high doses) and vitamin C can decrease serum uric acid levels.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3084-1
- 3084-1
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature for stability up to 14 days.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |