URIC ACID, SERUM

Test Code

URIC

CPT Codes
84550

Preferred Specimen

Gold Tube (SST)

Patient Preparation
Note: If patient is currently receiving the drug Elitek (Rasburicase), sample cannot be drawn in a gel seperator tube. Elitek may cause falsely low uric acid results if not processed properly.

Elitek breaks down uric acid levels, especially at room temperature. Patients receiving this drug MUST be drawn in a cold, heparinized tube that does not contain a gel separator.

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Green Tube (Lithium Heparin)

Instructions

Centrifuge for complete separation of serum or plasma from red cells.

Transport Container

GOLD Tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature

Specimen Stability

2-8°C up to 3-5 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolyzed

Methodology
Uricase, Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

DAILY, as received

Report Available

STAT: <60 minutes
Routine: <4 hours

Reference Range

Female Ages >=0 Days - <16 Years: Normal Range: 2.0-5.5 mg/dL Female Ages >=16 Years: Normal Range: 2.6-6.0 mg/dL Male Ages >=0 Days - <16 Years: Normal Range: 2.0-5.5 mg/dL Male Ages >=16 Years: Normal Range: 2.3-7.6 mg/dL
Reference ranges may vary based on performing lab. Use lab reports when interpreting patient results.

Clinical Significance

Serum uric acid measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous renal and metabolic disorders, including renal failure, gout, leukemia, psoriasis, starvation or other wasting conditions, and in patients receiving cytotoxic drugs.

Performing Laboratory
Mount Sinai Hospital
Holy Cross Hospital

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.