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Uric Acid

Also known as Urate

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required

Understanding Uric Acid

What is Uric Acid?

This test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a nitrogenous compound that is formed as a byproduct of metabolic activities and is eliminated by the kidneys. This test is done to diagnose gout and to check the efficacy of medication that lowers uric acid. Your doctor may advise this test if you have symptoms like pain and swelling in the joints, joints that feel warm when touched, and shiny skin around joints.

A high uric acid concentration in blood, also known as hyperuricemia, can lead to crystal formation in joints and also a risk factor of chronic kidney disease. Diet, exercise, and other healthy lifestyle changes can improve your uric acid level. However, medical treatment is also required in most cases.

What is Uric Acid used for?

The Uric Acid Test is performed:

· To diagnose gout upon the appearance of symptoms

· In cancer patients being treated by chemotherapy or radiotherapy to monitor their uric acid levels

· To check the efficacy of medications that lower uric acid levels

· To assess the risk of kidney stones or to determine the cause of recurrent kidney stones

What does Uric Acid measure?

The Uric acid test measures the levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a nitrogenous compound produced by the metabolic breakdown of purine. Purines are nitrogenous bases in DNA forming parts of the structural framework of the cells. Breakdown of purines occurs when cells become old and die, forming uric acid. Uric acid is also formed from the metabolic breakdown of some types of food like red meat, seafood, beans, etc.

Most of the uric acid in the blood is filtered and eliminated by the kidneys and a small remaining amount in the stool. The concentration of uric acid in the blood can increase due to overproduction of uric acid or improper elimination of uric acid, and this condition is called Hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia can also be caused due to cancer treatment by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. These treatment methods kill the cancer cells, which may leak the uric acid into the blood.

Excess uric acid can form crystals in the synovial fluid between the joints causing inflammation and pain. This condition is called gout and can severely damage the joints if left untreated. The Uric Acid Test can indicate the presence of gout, or risk of formation of gout. However, it is not a definitive test for gout. Confirmatory test for gout is performed by analysis of synovial fluid (joint fluid) for monosodium urate crystals. Chronic Hyperuricemia can cause the formation of tophi, which are hard lumpy deposits of uric acid crystals formed under the skin, in the joints, and at the top of the ears. Tophi cause severe damage to the joints and may compress nerves causing chronic pain and disfigurement. The excess uric acid may also deposit and crystallize in the kidneys causing kidney stones and acute renal failure.

Interpreting Uric Acid results

Interpretations

Normal uric acid range:

· Adult Female: 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL

· Adult Male: 3.4 to 7.0 mg/dL

· Children: 2.0 to 5.5 mg/dL

Higher than normal levels of uric acid in the blood is called Hyperuricemia and may be caused due to kidney diseases, gout, chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Uric Acid

Frequently Asked Questions about Uric Acid

Q. What is Hyperuricemia?

Hyperuricemia refers to a condition where the blood uric acid level is above the normal range. This condition may be caused due to an overproduction of uric acid or improper elimination of it from blood.

Q. What are the symptoms of Hyperuricemia?

Symptoms of Hyperuricemia include: · Gout which causes inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain at the joints · Kidney stones which cause pain in the lower back, abdomen, or sides, difficulty and pain during urination, blood in urine, etc. · Urinary tract infections · Renal failure

Q. What are the risk factors for Hyperuricemia?

Risk factors for Hyperuricemia include: · Kidney diseases · Hypothyroidism or reduced secretion of hormones of thyroid gland · Hypertension or high blood pressure · Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar · Extreme physical activity · Chronic exposure to lead · Pesticide poisoning · Obesity · Alcoholism · Certain medications

Q. What is the difference between gout and pseudogout?

Gout or gouty arthritis is a medical condition which causes painful swelling and inflammation of the joints, most commonly of the joints of toes and lower limbs. It is caused due to excess uric acid in blood, leading to the deposition of monosodium urate crystals (uric acid crystals) in the synovial fluid of the joints. Pseudogout is a condition which shows symptoms similar to gout, namely painful inflammation and swelling at the joints. Pseudogout most commonly affects the knee joints, but may also affect the ankles, elbows, and wrists. It is caused due to formation and deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints. Deposition of these crystals can occur due to hypercalcemia, hypothyroidism, magnesium deficiency, high iron concentration in blood, and aging.

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case of abnormal uric acid test result?

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal uric acid test result are: · Synovial Fluid Analysis · Urine Analysis · Kidney Function Test

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

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