What Is Uric Acid Test?
The Uric Acid test measures the level of uric acid in your blood sample. Uric acid is an excretory product that forms when your body breaks down substances called purines which are found in your cells as well as in certain foods and beverages. Uric acid is normally excreted in the urine, but it can accumulate in the blood in certain conditions.
The Uric Acid test helps to assess how well your body regulates uric acid levels. Excessive uric acid can form needle-like crystals in the joints, resulting in painful joint inflammation, also known as gout. Elevated uric acid can also lead to kidney stones and kidney failure. Thus, the Uric Acid test helps in diagnosing conditions associated with high levels of uric acid. The test is also useful in monitoring the risk of kidney stones in people diagnosed with gout.
Uric Acid Test Parameters
The Uric Acid test measures a single parameter - serum uric acid levels.
Uric acid is a normal body waste product generated during the breakdown of purines—substances produced by the cells when they die. Purines are also found in protein-rich foods and alcoholic beverages. In healthy individuals, the kidneys filter uric acid from the blood and excrete it in the urine to maintain normal levels. However, if too much uric acid is produced in the body or the kidneys do not function normally, it can lead to high uric acid levels in the blood, also known as hyperuricaemia.
Elevated uric acid levels can be caused by consuming too many purine-rich foods, such as red meat, beans, organ meats like liver and kidney, and certain types of seafood like shellfish, sardines, anchovies, trout, and tuna. Alcohol and high fructose present in foods like corn syrup in sweets and soda can also increase uric acid levels.
Elevated uric acid levels can be caused by consuming too many purine-rich foods, such as red meat, beans, organ meats like liver and kidney, and certain types of seafood like shellfish, sardines, anchovies, trout, and tuna. Alcohol and high fructose present in foods like corn syrup in sweets and soda can also increase uric acid levels.
While preparing for a Uric Acid test at home, please follow these simple guidelines: Pre-requisites The Uric Acid test does not require any special preparations like fasting. Best Time to Get Tested The Uric Acid test can be performed at any time of the day, as fasting is not necessary. Who Should Get a Uric Acid Test Individuals experiencing symptoms of gout, such as joint pain or swelling, or those with symptoms of kidney stones should consider getting a Uric Acid test. Additionally, people with kidney disease or those on medications affecting uric acid levels might need this test. Cautions Before Taking a Uric Acid Test You may be advised to avoid certain foods and beverages before the test by your treating doctor. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medications, such as diuretics, aspirin, or niacin, but do not stop taking them unless recommended by your doctor.
A Uric Acid test is important for diagnosing and managing conditions related to elevated uric acid levels in the body. You may need a Uric Acid test in the following situations: Diagnosing Gout The Uric Acid blood test is done to diagnose gout, usually along with a joint fluid analysis where a fluid sample is extracted from your joints. Gout is a type of painful arthritis that commonly involves the big toe but can affect the other toes, ankle, or knee. Symptoms of gout include:
Severe joint pain
Swelling in a joint, like the big toe, ankle, or knee
Warmth of the affected joints
Skin over the joint appears red or purple and shiny
Monitoring Cancer Treatments Uric acid levels are regularly monitored in individuals undergoing cancer chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. The rapid destruction of cancer cells during treatment releases large amounts of purines into the blood. The resulting surge in uric acid levels can cause serious complications. Regular testing ensures early detection and management of elevated uric acid levels. Assessing the Risk of Kidney Stones A Uric Acid test is used to determine if high uric acid levels are causing kidney stones. . Symptoms of kidney stones include:
Sharp pain in the lower abdomen, back, or groin
Painful urination
Blood in the urine
Urge to urinate often
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Nausea and vomiting
Monitoring Health in Other Conditions The Uric Acid test may be ordered along with other tests for the diagnosis and treatment of several conditions associated with high uric acid levels. Apart from gout and kidney disease, testing may be done to monitor uric acid levels in conditions such as leukaemia, multiple myeloma, metastatic cancer, alcohol use disorder, thyroid disorders, and preeclampsia (extremely high blood pressure during pregnancy).
2. Is home sample collection available for Uric Acid tests?
3. What is a Uric Acid test used for?
4. Is fasting required for a Uric Acid test?
5. What are the normal levels for Uric Acid tests?
We are a call or text away, Feel Free to Reach Out.