Uric Acid, 24 hr Urine

This test measures the amount of uric acid your kidneys excrete over 24 hours. It helps assess kidney function, gout risk, and whether your body is producing or eliminating uric acid normally.

When elevated: Elevated 24-hour urine uric acid may indicate overproduction of uric acid (from high purine diet, cell turnover, or metabolic disorders), increased risk of kidney stones, or gout. It can also reflect certain cancers or chemotherapy effects. When low: Low uric acid excretion is less common but may suggest reduced kidney filtration, certain genetic conditions affecting uric acid metabolism, or medications that decrease uric acid production. It is generally not a primary concern unless accompanied by other kidney function abnormalities.

This test is moderately relevant for endurance and high-intensity athletes who experience elevated uric acid production from intense training and muscle breakdown. Chronically high uric acid excretion may indicate inadequate recovery, dehydration, or purine-rich diet choices, while low excretion could suggest kidney stress—both warrant attention in serious training programs.