Uric Acid in Urine

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), ASA, probenecid (such as Benuryl), 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 Apo-Allopurinol, Novo-Purol, 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.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Ralph Poore	Last Updated: January 2, 2008
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
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