URICOMETER Meaning and
Definition
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A uricometer is a specialized medical instrument used for measuring the level of uric acid in the body or a particular bodily fluid. It is specifically designed to quantify the concentration of urate, a salt derived from the metabolism of purines, in urine or blood samples. Uric acid is a waste product produced during the breakdown of certain substances, mainly purines, in the body.
The uricometer typically consists of a graduated glass receptacle with a calibrated scale, accompanied by various reagents and chemicals necessary for the analysis. To measure uric acid levels, a sample of urine or blood is collected and added to the uricometer. The addition of reagents triggers a chemical reaction that causes a color change in the solution, which corresponds to the concentration of uric acid present. The height of the fluid in the receptacle is then read against the scale, allowing for the quantification of urate levels.
This instrument is primarily used in medical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or laboratories, to aid in the diagnosis and management of conditions related to the metabolism and excretion of uric acid. Uricometer readings are considered important indicators for diseases such as gout, kidney stones, and certain metabolic disorders. By providing accurate measurements of uric acid levels, the uricometer enables healthcare professionals to monitor patients' conditions and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
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An appliance for determining the amount of uric acid voided in the urine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for URICOMETER
- yricometer
- hricometer
- jricometer
- iricometer
- 8ricometer
- 7ricometer
- ueicometer
- udicometer
- uficometer
- uticometer
- u5icometer
- u4icometer
- urucometer
- urjcometer
- urkcometer
- urocometer
- ur9cometer
- ur8cometer
- urixometer
- urivometer
Etymology of URICOMETER
The word "uricometer" is a combination of two root words: "uric-" and "-meter".
"Uric-" comes from the word "uric acid", which is a compound that is naturally produced by the body when it breaks down purines (substances that occur naturally in the body and certain foods). Uric acid is usually filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. However, in some cases, it can accumulate and cause health problems like gout, kidney stones, or other conditions related to high levels of uric acid in the body.
The suffix "-meter" comes from the Greek word "metron", which means "a measure". It refers to an instrument or device used to measure or detect something.
Therefore, the term "uricometer" combines these elements to describe a device used to measure or detect levels of uric acid in the body.
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