Important Things You Should Be Aware Of About Uric Acid Blood Test
Medically Reviewed By
Dr Divya Rohra
Written By Meenakshi
on Dec 10, 2022
Last Edit Made By Meenakshi
on Mar 12, 2024
Uric Acid is a natural waste product that your body forms when chemicals, called purines, break down. Most uric acid dissolves within the body and flushes out by the kidney through urine. However, there are a few health conditions when your body produces excess uric acid in the blood, which leads to crystals forming in the joints and tissues and stops it from leaving your system. Having it in adequate quantity is normal, but when its level increases or goes below the healthy ranges, it can be problematic for your health.
Medically called hyperuricemia, elevated uric acid forms crystals in the tissue and joints and caused pain or inflammation around the area. Measuring and managing imbalance in the uric acid is essential, as it can otherwise lead to tissue damage, kidney disease, permanent bone damage, and heart disease. A Uric Acid Test is often prescribed to evaluate changes in the levels of people undergoing specific treatments. It is also used to diagnose gout or kidney disease.
Controlling their levels requires the timely intervention of the correct course of treatment and other preventive measures. Understanding the disease and other related facts is crucial to take the right actions. Here, in this article, we've covered several things you should know about uric acid and uric acid tests. So, let’s get started.
Factors That Influence Uric Acid Levels:
- An unhealthy diet is a foremost factor that can trigger uric acid levels and lead to different health conditions.
- Moreover, too much alcohol intake is another factor that negatively impacts the levels.
- Certain immune-suppressing medicines can also disturb your uric acid levels.
- It can also be changed if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
- Genetics, obesity, and hypothyroidism are other factors that increase them.
- Some metabolic syndrome also affects your levels.
Whatever the reason is, measuring the levels is essential to manage the imbalance before it turns ugly.
High Uric Acid can also be because of certain medical conditions and treatments, like:
- Gout: Being a common yet complex form of arthritis, gout is a painful condition that usually affects one or more joints. It can affect anyone but is more common in men than women and is often referred to as a preferential male disease. Hyperuricemia or High Uric Acid Levels is the primary cause of the condition. It is likely to affect more people who are obese, have diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, or have a family history of gout.
- Kidney Disease: Chronic Kidney Diseases can also influence uric acid levels that, if left untreated, can affect normal kidney function, and in severe cases, it can even lead to kidney damage or failure. One needs to be extra serious about the condition to avoid complications.
- Cancer Treatment: Other than health conditions, specific cancer treatments can influence uric acid levels. Doctors may suggest the uric acid blood test or uric acid urine test as a part of medical care to monitor your response to the treatment.
Essential Things To Know About Uric Acid Levels And Uric Acid Tests:
Have Multiple Uses: Uric Acid Test is not just helpful in diagnosing gout or kidney disease and can also be prescribed to monitor uric acid levels of the patient undergoing treatment or therapy. The test also helps find the root cause of the frequent occurrence of kidney stones and makes it easier for healthcare professionals to alter your diet and treatment accordingly.
Elevated Uric Acid Is Not Always Because Of A Disease: According to research, 1 in 5 people have high uric acid levels that are majorly associated with the attack of gouts or kidney stones. However, there are instances where these levels shoot up due to diuretics, genetics, underactive thyroid, obesity, a purine-rich diet, and more. It is always advisable to discuss this with a healthcare professional to understand the health better and take preventive measures accordingly.
Uric Acid Levels Can Be Low, Too: It is rare but possible. Too much drop in uric acid is majorly associated with Fanconi Syndrome. It is a rare kidney tube disorder that targets the filtering tubes and impairs normal kidney functioning. Therefore, bringing the balance back to normal is essential to avoid complications.
- Uric Acid Levels Can Also Be Checked In Urine: Other than Uric Acid Blood Test, your doctor may suggest a Uric Acid Urine Test to measure levels in urine collected over 24 hours.
If left untreated or unaddressed, abnormal uric acid can lead to chronic diseases and health complications. Therefore, if your doctor has prescribed a Uric Acid Blood Test, do not delay and get diagnosed in time to examine your condition and take action accordingly.
Redcliffe Labs is a fully-equipped and fastest-growing diagnostic centre that you can consider for the Uric Acid Test in Delhi. You can get tested with us from the comfort of your home at reasonable prices and get the fastest reports delivered through various digital modes.
Don’t Underestimate Your Uric Acid Levels!
Uric Acid Levels can impact your health and requires your immediate attention. Therefore, analyzing the change and taking charge of it is essential to avoid complications and improve the quality of life.