Why are orders for uric acid a legitimate stat request?

Uric acid measurements are considered a legitimate stat request primarily due to the urgency associated with levels exceeding 10 mg/dL, which can indeed lead to the formation of urinary tract calculi (kidney stones). High concentrations of uric acid can precipitate in the renal tubules or urinary tract, causing acute pain and significant complications. Rapid detection and management of hyperuricemia are critical, particularly in patients with a history of stones or those presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute uric acid nephropathy.

While elevated uric acid levels have associations with several conditions, such as inflammation or cardiac diseases, the heightened risk of acute clinical complications, such as the development of kidney stones at higher levels, underscores the necessity for these tests to be processed promptly in urgent or emergency situations. This urgency contributes to the classification of uric acid orders as legitimate stat requests.