Uric Acid In Urine: What Affects The Test
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What Affects the Test
- Women generally have slightly lower uric acid levels than men.
- Many medicines may increase the level of uric acid in the urine. These include some diuretics, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), aspirin, probenecid (such as Probalan), and some medicines used to treat leukemia, lymphoma, or tuberculosis.
- Some medicines may decrease the level of uric acid in the urine. These include allopurinol (such as Aloprim and Zyloprim), insulin, and some diuretics.
- Drinking alcohol during the collection period will decrease the level of uric acid in the urine.
- Failing to collect exactly 24 hours of urine during a uric acid urine test can cause inaccurate test results.
- Strenuous exercise or a diet high in purines (such as liver, kidney, peas or beans, and some fish) can increase levels of uric acid in the urine.
- Contrast material used for some X-ray tests can increase the amount of uric acid in the urine.
| Last updated: | October 31, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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