URIC ACID

Message

Note: If patient is currently receiving the drug Elitek (Rasburicase), sample cannot be drawn in a gel seperator tube. See collection instructions below.

Test Code

URIC

CPT Codes
84550

Preferred Specimen

1 Gold tube (gel separator)

Minimum Volume

0.6 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

1 Green tube (Lithium Heparin)

Instructions

Centrifuge for complete separation of plasma or serum and red cells.
For patients treated with Elitek(rasburicase):
Draw in pre-chilled lithium heparin tube and immediately place in ice water bath. Centrifuge in pre-cooled centrifuge. Hold plasma aliquot in ice water bath until testing. Complete testing within 4 hours of collection

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

2-8°C up to 3-5 days
-20°C up to 6 months

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

Hemolyzed

Methodology

Uricase, Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun

Report Available

Within 24 hours of receipt at the performing laboratory.

Reference Range

Male: 4.4 - 7.6 mg/dL
Female: 2.3 - 6.6 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

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

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NCHB1 (Chemistry, Beckman AU)

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

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.