Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Uric acid - blood

 

Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in some foods and drinks. These include liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans and peas, and beer.

Most uric acid dissolves in blood and travels to the kidneys. From there, it passes out in urine. If your body produces too much uric acid or does not remove enough if it, you can get sick. A high level of uric acid in the blood is called hyperuricemia.

This test checks to see how much uric acid you have in your blood. Another test can be used to check the level of uric acid in your urine .

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed. Most of the time blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.

How to Prepare for the Test

 

You should not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the test unless told otherwise.

Many medicines can interfere with blood test results.

  • Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test.
  • DO NOT stop or change your medicines without talking to your provider first.

Your provider may also tell you to stop taking any drugs that may affect the test results. Never stop taking any medicine without talking to your provider.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

This test is done to see if you have high levels of uric acid in your blood. High levels of uric acid can sometimes cause gout or kidney disease.

You may have this test if you have had or are about to have certain types of chemotherapy. Rapid weight loss, which may occur with such treatments, can increase the amount of uric acid in your blood.

 

Normal Results

 

Normal values range between 3.5 and 7.2 mg/dL.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

The example above shows the common measurement range for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Greater-than-normal levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia) may be due to:

  • Acidosis
  • Alcoholism
  • Chemotherapy-related side effects
  • Diabetes
  • Excessive exercise
  • Gout
  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • Lead poisoning
  • Leukemia
  • Medullary cystic kidney disease
  • Nephrolithiasis
  • Polycythemia vera
  • Purine-rich diet
  • Renal failure
  • Toxemia of pregnancy

Lower-than-normal levels of uric acid may be due to:

  • Fanconi syndrome
  • Low purine diet
  • Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion
  • Wilson disease

Other reasons this test may be performed include:

  • Chronic gouty arthritis
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Injury of the kidney and ureter

 

 

Open References

References

Edwards NL. Crystal deposition diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 273.

 
  • Blood test

    Blood test - illustration

    Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

    Blood test

    illustration

  • Uric acid crystals

    Uric acid crystals - illustration

    These spiked rods are uric acid crystals photographed under polarized light. Increased uric acid blood levels and formation of uric acid crystals in the joints are associated with gout.

    Uric acid crystals

    illustration

    • Blood test

      Blood test - illustration

      Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

      Blood test

      illustration

    • Uric acid crystals

      Uric acid crystals - illustration

      These spiked rods are uric acid crystals photographed under polarized light. Increased uric acid blood levels and formation of uric acid crystals in the joints are associated with gout.

      Uric acid crystals

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Talking to your MD

     

      Self Care

       

      Tests for Uric acid - blood

       
       

      Review Date: 4/30/2015

      Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

      The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

       
       
       

       

       

      A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



      Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.