Uric Acid, 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Uric Acid, 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Urinary Uric Acid (24-Hour), 24-Hour Urine Uric Acid, Uric Acid Urine 24hr, 24-Hour Urinary Urate |
| Sample Type | 24-hour urine collection |
| Fasting Required | No, maintain your usual diet throughout the collection period |
| Report Time | 1 to 2 business days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders; reference values not established for those under 18 years |
| Price | Starting at ₹230 |
What Is a Uric Acid, 24 Hours Urine Test?
The uric acid 24-hour urine test measures how much uric acid your kidneys excrete over a full day. Uric acid forms when the body breaks down purines, which are natural compounds found in cells and in certain foods. Also called the urinary uric acid (24-hour) test, it is commonly ordered when a doctor wants to assess kidney function, investigate recurrent kidney stones, or evaluate joint problems such as gout. A specially labelled container is used to collect all urine passed over 24 hours.
What Does a Uric Acid, 24 Hours Urine Test Measure?
This test looks at two related aspects of uric acid in the body. The table below describes what is measured and why it matters.
| What Is Measured | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Uric acid concentration in urine | Shows how much uric acid the kidneys are filtering and releasing into the urine over 24 hours |
| Total urinary uric acid excretion | Reflects both the amount of purines consumed through food and the natural breakdown of DNA and RNA within cells |
Together, these values help a doctor determine whether the body is producing too much uric acid, excreting too little, or both.
Why Is a Uric Acid, 24 Hours Urine Test Done?
Doctors order this test for several reasons, from investigating symptoms to tracking long-term conditions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request a 24-hour urine sample test:
- Sudden or recurring joint pain, swelling, or redness, particularly in the big toe, ankle, or knee
- Warmth or tenderness around a joint
- Changes in urination (frequency, colour, foamy urine, or blood in urine)
- Pain in the back or side, which may suggest a kidney stone
- Fatigue or weakness
- Persistent itching
- Shortness of breath
- Recurrent kidney stones
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Difficulty concentrating (brain fog)
- Muscle cramps
- High blood pressure
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in identifying a range of conditions. Here are the main ones:
- Gout (a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal build-up in joints)
- Uric acid kidney stones
- Kidney failure or reduced kidney function
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic glomerulonephritis (ongoing inflammation of the kidney's filtering units)
- Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (a rare inherited disorder affecting how the body processes purines)
- Fanconi syndrome (a kidney tubule disorder where substances are incorrectly passed into urine)
- Leukaemia and polycythaemia (blood conditions involving high cell turnover)
Uric Acid, 24 Hours Urine Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test is frequently used to monitor people who experience recurring kidney stones or gout, helping to track uric acid excretion and assess the risk of future stone formation.
It is also ordered for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, where uric acid levels can rise significantly due to increased cell breakdown. Repeat testing is typically carried out every three to six months during active treatment or ongoing monitoring.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward, but correct sample collection is essential for accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test, but avoid excessive protein intake before the test. You should continue eating and drinking as you normally would throughout the collection period, as results are meant to reflect your everyday metabolism.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before and during your collection:
- If you have recently had an X-ray or CT scan using contrast dye, wait at least one day before starting the collection
- If you have had a cholangiography (a bile duct X-ray) or taken tablets for a gallbladder X-ray, wait seven days before starting
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you currently take; some may need to be paused temporarily
- Avoid alcoholic drinks and vitamin C supplements during the collection period, as both can affect results
- Keep the collection container refrigerated or stored in a cooler with ice throughout the 24 hours
Step-by-Step Procedure
Collecting a 24-hour urine sample correctly is important for reliable results. Follow these steps:
- On the morning of your collection day, urinate into the toilet as usual and note the exact time. Do not collect this first sample.
- From this point on, collect every drop of urine you pass into the special container provided by the laboratory.
- Keep the container in a refrigerator or cooler with ice throughout the day and night.
- At the 24-hour mark (the same time the following morning), pass urine one final time into the container.
- Seal the container securely and return it to the laboratory or hand it to the collection team as instructed.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how reliable your results are:
- Incomplete collection (missing even one sample during the 24 hours)
- Sample contamination
- High levels of bilirubin or vitamin C in the body
- Recent exposure to X-ray contrast dye
- Certain medications, including thiazide water tablets
- Dehydration, which can concentrate urine and skew readings
Understanding Your Uric Acid, 24 Hours Urine Test Results
Your doctor will review your results alongside your medical history, current medications, and overall health. The table below shows the general reference ranges used for this test.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Uric acid (regular diet) | 250 to 750 | mg/24 hours |
| Uric acid (regular diet) | 1.48 to 4.43 | mmol/24 hours |
| Uric acid (purine-restricted diet) | Less than 600 | mg/24 hours |
| Uric acid (unrestricted diet, upper limit) | Less than 800 | mg/24 hours |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can shift results outside the expected range without indicating a new condition:
- Thiazide medications (commonly prescribed as water tablets) may raise uric acid levels in the urine.
- A diet high in purine-rich foods, such as organ meats or certain seafood, can temporarily increase excretion.
- Impaired kidney function typically reduces how much uric acid is excreted, which may cause lower-than-expected readings.
- Dehydration can concentrate the urine and affect overall values.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits can support healthy uric acid levels:
- Aim to drink enough fluids to produce at least 2.5 litres of urine each day
- Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and moderate your intake of red meat, poultry, and seafood
- Limit alcohol consumption, particularly beer, which is associated with higher uric acid production
Lupin Diagnostics Uric Acid, 24 Hours Urine Test Price and Home Collection
The uric acid 24-hour urine test starts at approximately ₹230, and home sample collection is available across multiple cities. The table below shows indicative prices in major Indian cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Guwahati | ₹270 |
| Mumbai | ₹250 |
| Kolkata | ₹260 |
| Pune | ₹230 |
| Bhopal | ₹250 |
| Bengaluru | ₹250 |
| Chennai | ₹250 |
| Hyderabad | ₹250 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the urinary uric acid (24-hour) test across cities, with a trained professional delivering the collection container to you and arranging pick-up once the 24 hours are complete. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and digital reports are shared directly with you on completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by urinating into the toilet in the morning, noting the time, and not collecting that first sample. For the next 24 hours, collect all urine passed into the container provided and keep it refrigerated. At the 24-hour mark, add a final sample and return the sealed container to the laboratory or collection team.
The uric acid 24-hour urine test reveals how much uric acid the kidneys are actually excreting, which a blood test alone cannot show. This distinction helps a doctor determine whether a problem stems from the body producing too much uric acid or the kidneys excreting too little, which is important for managing gout and kidney stones.
No fasting is needed. Your usual diet and daily activities should continue during the collection period so that results accurately reflect your body's normal uric acid output.
Elevated results may be associated with conditions such as leukaemia, polycythaemia, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, or Fanconi syndrome. A diet rich in purines, including organ meats, certain fish, and alcohol, can also raise urinary uric acid temporarily.
Yes, several medicines can alter results, including thiazide water tablets and certain other drugs. Vitamin C supplements, alcoholic drinks, and X-ray contrast dye can also interfere. Always inform your doctor about everything you are currently taking before the test.
The 24-hour urine sample test helps evaluate how much uric acid is being excreted and whether urine pH is low (below 5.5 is commonly associated with uric acid stones). This information allows your doctor to assess the likelihood of stone formation and plan appropriate follow-up care.
Repeat testing is generally recommended around three months after starting treatment to check whether therapy is working, and then approximately every three to six months, depending on your condition and clinical progress. Your doctor will advise the appropriate schedule for your situation.
Uric Acid, 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
