Uric Acid

CPT Code: 84550
Order Code: C161
ABN Requirement:  No
Synonyms: UA; Uric A
Specimen: Serum
Volume: 0.5 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL
Container: Gel-barrier tube (SST, Tiger Top)

Collection:

  1. Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
  2. Gently invert tube 5 times immediately after draw. Do not shake.
  3. Allow blood to clot 30 minutes.
  4. Centrifuge for 10 minutes.

Transport: Store serum at 2°C to 8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions included with the provided shipping box.

Stability:

Ambient (15-25°C): 3 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C): 6 months

Causes of Rejection: Specimens other than serum; improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits

Methodology: Enzymatic colorimetric test

Turn Around Time: 1 to 3 days

Reference Range:

Age Male
mg/dL		 Female
mg/dL
All Ages 3.2-8.6 2.5-7.3


Priority Value:

Age Priority 2 Value (mg/dL)
All Ages >14.0

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.

Limitations: Calcium dobesilate causes artificially low uric acid results. Purine derivatives, such as uricase, can inhibit the uric acid reaction. In very rare cases gammopathy may cause unreliable results. Uricase reacts specifically with uric acid. Other purine derivatives can inhibit the uric acid reaction. Acetaminophen use can falsely decrease test results. Acetaminophen intoxications are frequently treated with N-Acetylcysteine. N-Acetylcysteine at the therapeutic concentration when used as an antidote and the Acetaminophen metabolite N-acetyle-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) independently may cause falsely low results. Dicynone (Etamsylate) at therapeutic concentrations may lead to false-low results. Venipuncture should be performed prior to the administration of Metamizole. Venipuncture immediately after or during the administration of Metamizole may lead to falsely low results.

The CPT codes provided 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 payer being billed.