Uric Acid

Introduction

Uric acid is a normal waste product in the body. It forms as a result of purine breakdown, and is usually excreted in urine or feces. However, uric acid can accumulate in the blood due to the body making too much uric acid, high dietary purine intake, reduced kidney function, starvation, or certain medications. This excess uric acid can form into crystals and collect in the joints causing painful inflammation (gout). Decreased uric acid can also occur due to specific drugs, low dietary intake of purines and protein, liver disease, and heavy metal poisoning.

Pricing

$49

How to order a test

Synonyms

• Urate
• UA

What is Included?

Measurement of uric acid levels in a blood sample by uricase methodology.

Turnaround Time

1 – 3 business days
The turnaround time is not guaranteed. The average turnaround time is 1 – 3 business days from the date that the sample arrives at the laboratory. Shipping time for the sample is not included. Additional time is required if the case requires confirmatory or reflex testing, or if the sample is insufficient, or if a recollection is required.

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Preparation Before Specimen Collection

Minimum four hour fast before sample collection provides optimum results.

Specimen Type

Blood

Volume

50 μL in a microtainer

Container

Microtainer (regular blood tube)

Collection Method

This test requires a blood sample from a finger prick. All supplies for sample collection are provided in the kit.

1. First wash and dry hands. Warm hands aid in blood collection.
2. Clean the finger prick site with the alcohol swab and allow to air dry.
3. Use the provided lancet to puncture the skin in one quick, continuous and deliberate stroke.
4. Wipe away the first drop of blood.
5. Massage hand and finger to increase blood flow to the puncture site. Angle arm and hand downwards to facilitate blood collection on the fingertip.
6. Drip blood into the microtainer tube.
7. Dispose of all sharps safely and return sample to the laboratory in the provided prepaid return shipping envelope.

NOTES: Avoid squeezing or ‘milking’ the finger excessively. If more blood is required and blood flow stops, perform a second skin puncture on another finger. Do not touch the fingertip.

Specimen Storage

Maintain specimen at temperatures between 2°C and 30°C during storage and transport.

Specimen Stability

Blood samples can be refrigerated or kept at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Causes for Rejection

• Incorrect or incomplete patient identification
• Incorrect specimen collection
• Inappropriate storage and transport conditions
• Incorrect specimen volume

Purpose

To measure uric acid levels in a blood sample for the diagnosis and treatment of gout, renal dysfunction, and a variety of other disorders, including leukemia, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism.

Limitations

• This report is not intended for use in medico-legal applications. 
• These results should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical information.
• Correct specimen collection and handling is required for optimal assay performance. 
• Interferences from medication or endogenous substances may affect results.

Methodology

Uricase (Alinity c Uric Acid assay)

Reference Intervals

0 – 14 days: 2.8 – 12.7 mg/dL
15 days – < 1 year: 1.6 – 6.3 mg/dL
1 – < 3 years: 1.8 – 4.9 mg/dL
3 – < 5 years: 2.0 – 4.9 mg/dL
5 – 8 years: 1.9 – 5.0 mg/dL
9 – 10 years: 2.4 – 5.5 mg/dL
11 – 12 years: 2.6 – 5.8 mg/dL
13 – 79 years, Male: 3.7 – 7.7 mg/dL
13 – 79 years, Female: 2.5 – 6.2 mg/dL

These reference ranges were obtained from Rifai N, Horvath AR, & Wittwer C. (2018). Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics (Sixth edition.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.