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Uric acid - urine
Definition:
The uric acid urine test measures the amount of uric acid in urine. Alternative Names:
Uricosuria Text Continues Below
How the test is performed:
A 24-hour urine sample is needed. The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test. - 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, the entire penis can be placed in the bag and the adhesive attached to the skin. For girls, the bag is placed over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag. This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can displace the bag. The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated into the bag. The urine is drained into the container for transport to the laboratory. Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion. How to prepare for the test:
The health care provider may advise you to discontinue drugs that can affect the test (see "special considerations"). If the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary. How the test will feel:
The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort. Why the test is performed:
The most common reason for measuring uric acid levels is for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney stones. Patients with gout may also be evaluated using this test, since a significant number of patients with gout develop uric acid kidney stones.
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