Test Name

Uric Acid

Specimen Type & Acceptability

Serum
5 days refrigerated.

General Use

Increased uric acid levels are found in uremia, gout, destruction of an unusual amount of body tissue (such as the treatment of leukemia), diabetic acidosis, and the ingestion of certain toxic substances and drugs.

The serious consequences of abnormal uric acid metabolism depend in part upon the insolubility of uric acid. Uric acid can crystallize in the kidney and urinary tract resulting in gout. Decreased uric acid levels can be found in drug therapy.

CPT Code(s)

84550

Special Instructions

Let clot for 10-20 minutes. After the sample is fully clotted, centrifuge the sample. Verify complete separation of cells and serum and refrigerate.

Container/Tube Type

Volume

1 mL Min. vol. = 100 ul

Suggested Tube Types

Description

Typical Volume

Gold Top Serum Separator Tube (SST)

⋜ 5 mL

Tiger Top Serum Separator Tube (SST)
^For larger volume tests

> 5 mL

Red Top Tube (No additive)

⋜ 5 mL

EDTA Whole Blood

3 mL

3.2 % Sodium Citrate Whole Blood

2.7 mL

Lithium Heparin Plasma Separator Tube

⋜ 5 mL