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Uric acid - urine

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Definition:

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.

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 if it, you can 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

How the test is performed:

A 24-hour urine sample is needed.

• On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning.
• Afterwards, collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours.
• On day 2, urinate into the container when you get up in the morning.
• Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period. Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.

For an infant:

Thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For boys, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the sticky tape (adhesive) to the surrounding skin. For girls, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.

This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can displace the bag. You may need a couple of extra bags. Check the infant frequently and change the bag after the infant has urinated into it. Draine the urine into the container provided by your doctor. Take the container to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon collection is completed.

How to prepare for the test:

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.

How the test will feel:

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

Why the test is performed:

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

References:

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.

McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 21st ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2006.

• Review Date: 2/3/2006
• Reviewed By: Charles Silberberg, DO, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with New York Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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