Uric Acid (Urate)

Background

Uric acid is the major catabolic product of purine nucleosides. Although the bulk of the uric acid is from the degradation of endogenous nucleic acids, a proportion is dietary in origin. When the metabolism and excretion of uric acid is defective, body fluids may become super saturated with urate and crystals are deposited, usually in joint fluid, leading to the symptoms of gout. Raised plasma urate levels are associated with overproduction, reduced excretion (renal disease) or increased turnover of nucleic acids. This last cause may be seen in cases of pre-eclampsia, and urate estimations may be urgently requested by maternity to verify the diagnosis. Delivery may be induced as a result of the laboratory findings.

Reference ranges

Male: 0.15 – 0.41 mmol/L
Female: 0.15 – 0.35 mmol/L

Specimen requirements

Sample type:

• Serum or Plasma treated with Lithium Heparin.
• Random urine or 24 hour urine specimen in a plain bottle.

Sample Identification:

• Three patient identifiers from
  • Name
  • DOB
  • Address
  • NHS number
  • Unit number
  should match on the specimen and request form. This check may be performed prior to centrifugation by the Central Sort department.

Turnaround time

2 hours