Allopurinol adherence monitoring (urine)

Description: 
Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used in the treatment of gout. Levels of allopurinol and oxypurinol in urine are useful for confirming adherence.
Clinical details: 
Monitoring adherence in patients treated for gout, HPRT deficiency or APRT deficiency. The test also measures urinary purine levels. In patients with purine overproduction due to HPRT deficiency, levels of insoluble xanthine in urine should be monitored, and if above the limit of solubility, the dose of allopurinol reduced to minimise the risk of a xanthine nephropathy. Allopurinol is also used in the treatment of APRT deficiency to prevent the formation of insoluble 2,8-dihydroxyadenine.
Related condition or disease: 
Allopurinol adherence monitoring in patients with gout, HPRT deficiency and APRT deficiency.
Reference range: 

Please contact thelaboratory to discuss

Units: 
24h urine/ random urine
Department: 
Reference Services
Location: 
Blackfriars Hub
Sample type and Volume required: 
24 hr urine bottle/Universal container containing thymol
Turnaround time: 
3 weeks
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
store in fridge (short term )or freezer, can thaw in 1st class post
Contacts:
Inherited Metabolic Diseases Unit at Blackfriars Hub
020 7188 9652
Reference Chemistry, 1st Floor Blackfriars Hub
Friars Bridge Court
Blackfriars Road
London
SE1 8NZ

IMD Duty Biochemist: 07592 502653
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Inherited Metabolic Disease Laboratory at Blackfriars Hub

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Last updated: 13/03/2026