What is a 24-hour Urinary Uric Acid Test?
Uric acid is a waste product of the breakdown of purines, substances that are usually found in food or naturally. It is normally absorbed in the blood and excreted through urine by the kidneys.
The 24-hour urinary uric acid test measures the uric acid excreted in urine within 24 24-hour time frame. This test is crucial in the diagnosis of gout, kidney stones, and uric acid-related disorders as high or low levels are an indication of health issues.
How is the Test Performed?
The 24-hour urinary uric acid test is a straightforward test that requires the collection of urine for 24 hours.
Preparation
Healthcare providers may advise you to avoid food rich in purines like red meat, seafood, and alcohol, 24 hours before the test.
Always discuss any medication you are taking with your healthcare provider as certain medications and dietary supplements should be avoided.
Collection Process
In the morning of the test flush the first urine and note the time, this is the time when 24 hours begin.
Collect every drop of urine subsequently in the container provided by the laboratory for 24 hours, including the urine of the next morning.
Store the container in the refrigerator or on ice to prevent degradation and bacterial growth in the urine sample.
Make sure that the sample is not contaminated with pubic hair, menstrual blood, toilet paper, or any other possible contaminant.
Delivery
Return the sample to the laboratory with proper labeling and tightly sealed.
Analysis
The sample is analyzed in the laboratory using advanced technology like spectrophotometry or enzymatic methods for precise results.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
A 24-hour urinary uric acid test is recommended for patients with the symptoms of kidney stones, gout, or other metabolic conditions;
General Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Lack of concentration
- Joint or bone pain
- Unexplained weight loss
Gout
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Redness and swelling in joints
- Tenderness in affected areas
Kidney stones
- Foul-smelling urine
- Extreme back pain
- Frequent painful urination
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
The normal value for a 24-hour urinary uric acid excretion varies according to age, diet, and sex of individuals. The normal range of urinary uric acid is
Normal Range – 250 to 750 mg/day
**These values vary according to the laboratory and testing method used. Always consult your healthcare provider for an accurate interpretation of the results. **
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
Abnormal uric acid levels point to several conditions that need early management and diagnosis.
High uric acid levels
- Gout – deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints causing inflammation and joint pain
- Kidney stones
- Excessive intake of purine-rich foods
- Certain medicines including chemotherapy drugs and diuretics
- Diabetes
- Metabolic disorders such as Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Heart failure
Low uric acid levels;
- Fanconi syndrome
- Kidney impairment
- Anti-gout drugs
- Pregnancy
- Lead poisoning
- Long-term use of alcohol
- Malnutrition
Rare genetically inherited diseases
