Uric Acid Test

The uric acid test is a medical laboratory test used to measure the level of uric acid in the blood or urine.

Purpose

The purpose of the uric acid test is to:

• Diagnose and monitor gout, a condition characterized by high levels of uric acid in the blood
• Evaluate kidney function and detect potential kidney problems
• Monitor the effectiveness of treatment for gout or kidney disease

Types of Uric Acid Tests

There are two types of uric acid tests:

• Blood test (serum uric acid): measures the level of uric acid in the blood
• Urine test (urinary uric acid): measures the level of uric acid in a 24-hour urine sample

Procedure

The procedure for a uric acid test typically involves:

• For a blood test: a healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in the arm using a needle and syringe
• For a urine test: the patient will be asked to collect all their urine over a 24-hour period, usually starting with an empty bladder and ending with an empty bladder the following day

Preparation

To prepare for a uric acid test:

• Avoid eating foods that are high in purines (such as organ meats, seafood, and beer) for at least 24 hours before the test
• Avoid taking certain medications (such as diuretics and aspirin) that can affect uric acid levels, unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional

Results

The results of a uric acid test are typically reported in units of milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or micromoles per liter (μmol/L).

• Normal blood levels: 3.5-7.2 mg/dL (0.21-0.43 μmol/L) for men and 2.6-6.0 mg/dL (0.16-0.36 μmol/L) for women
• Normal urine levels: 250-750 mg per 24 hours

Interpretation

A healthcare professional will interpret the results of a uric acid test, taking into account the patient's medical history and other factors.

• High levels of uric acid may indicate gout, kidney disease, or other conditions such as diabetes or obesity
• Low levels of uric acid may indicate liver or kidney disease, or other conditions such as malnutrition or certain medications