Uric Acid, Serum
Use
This test is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of renal failure and for monitoring patients receiving cytotoxic drugs. It also aids in managing a variety of other disorders, including gout, leukemia, psoriasis, starvation, and other wasting conditions. Uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism and increased levels, known as hyperuricemia, can arise from various metabolic and dietary factors, increased nucleic acid turnover, or decreased renal excretion. Monitoring uric acid levels is essential for long-term follow-up to assess the risk of developing renal disease or gout.
Special Instructions
Patient's age and sex are required. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. For red-top tubes, they must be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours.
Limitations
Interferences that may cause false decreases in the uric acid levels include therapeutic levels of drugs such as Alpha-methyldopa, Desferoxamine, and Calcimdobesilate. Elevated levels of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, N-acetylcysteine, and metamizole may also result in falsely decreased results. Additionally, improper specimen collection, handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances can lead to diagnostic confusion.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3084-1
- 3084-1
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |