Uric Acid Test - Normal Range, Purpose, Procedure, Symptoms

Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down substances called purines, which are naturally present in certain foods and beverages. Under normal conditions, uric acid dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidneys, and is excreted from the body through urine.

However, when the body produces excess uric acid or the kidneys fail to eliminate it efficiently, uric acid can accumulate in the blood. Over time, this excess uric acid may form sharp crystals that deposit in the joints and surrounding tissues.

What Happens When Uric Acid is High (Gout)?

Gout is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the joints caused due to the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. According to the sources, gout affects almost 0.3% of the Indian population, and its prevalence is rising globally due to lifestyle and dietary factors. 

If left untreated, gout can cause recurrent joint attacks, chronic joint damage, and kidney-related complications.

In this article, we discuss the uric acid test in detail, including when it is recommended, how it is performed, and FAQs for general knowledge. 

Uric Acid Test & Its Importance

A uric acid test is a blood or urine test used to measure the level of uric acid in the body. It helps determine whether elevated uric acid levels are responsible for symptoms such as joint pain or swelling.

Additionally, it plays a key role in diagnosing gout, monitoring kidney function and assessing the risk of uric acid-related conditions such as kidney stones. 

There is an increase in the incidence of gout across the globe, and therefore it is very important to diagnose early on through a uric acid test. Timely testing helps identify abnormal uric acid levels before they lead to severe joint inflammation or long-term complications. 

Uses of the Test

A uric acid blood test is used for:

• Diagnosing Gout: Identifies elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) that cause painful joint inflammation due to crystal deposition.
• Monitoring Gout Treatment: Helps track uric acid levels to determine treatment effectiveness and prevent further crystal formation.
• Evaluating Kidney Health: By diagnosing uric acid kidney stones, testing also helps in assessing how well your kidneys function, as impaired kidneys can cause uric acid buildup. 
• Chemotherapy Monitoring: Detects sudden rises in uric acid due to rapid cell breakdown during cancer treatment, helping prevent complications like tumor lysis syndrome.
• Metabolic Health Assessment: Offers insights into metabolic disorders and is often used alongside tests for diabetes, obesity, or hypertension. 

Why is a Uric Acid Test Done?

You may need a uric acid blood test if:

1. Doctors suspect you have symptoms of gout that usually affect one joint at a time. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe joint pain
• Swelling and redness
• Warmth around the joint
• Stiffness and difficulty moving the joint
• Pain that worsens at night or early morning

2. Have/had radiation treatment or chemotherapy to treat cancer. 

3. Have symptoms of a kidney stone, including

• Sharp pain in your lower abdomen (belly), side, groin or back
• Blood in your urine
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Bad-smelling urine
• Pain or unable to urinate
• Nausea
• Vomiting

4. If you already have gout, your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring to help prevent complications.

How is a Uric Acid Test Done?

The blood or urine sample is required for a uric acid test. If you give a blood sample for the test, then it is known as the serum uric acid test. 

For the blood test, the blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm. 

For the uric acid urine test, all the urine you pass in a 24-hours urine sample is required. You’ll be given a container to collect all urine passed over a 24-hour period. Leave the first urine you pass in the morning, and collect all subsequent urine for the next 24 hours. 

Then, store the container in a cool place with ice or in a refrigerator. After 24 hours, the sample is sent to a laboratory to measure uric acid levels. Some doctors might recommend a fasting uric acid test. In a fasting test, you will be required to give your sample without eating for at least 8 - 12 hours, that is, on an empty stomach.

Normal Range

The general normal range of uric acid in your body varies due to several factors such as lab, age, sex, body weight, alcohol intake, and kidney function. 

In adult women, the normal range is 2.4-6.0 mg/dL, while in adult men it is 3.4-7.0 mg/dL. Values above the normal range are more common and may indicate gout, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders.

Low uric acid levels are rare and usually not clinically significant. High levels of uric acid are a more common abnormality. The interpretation of the uric acid test depends on what sample is used for testing. 

If the blood sample is used, then high levels of uric acid may be related to:

• Diabetes/ Insulin Resistance
• High-purine diet
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Kidney disease
• Gout
• Preeclampsia (only in pregnancy)
• Side effects of cancer treatment or chemotherapy 

If the urine sample is used, then the high levels of uric acid may be related to: 

• Leukaemia or multiple myeloma
• Increased uric acid production
• Gout
• Obesity 
• High-purine diet
• A rare inherited condition (like Lesch-Nyhan syndrome) where the body cannot effectively remove excess uric acid. 
• Side effects of cancer treatment

Note: Always interpret uric acid results in correlation with clinical symptoms and other diagnostic findings.

Managing Abnormal Results

On receiving abnormal uric acid test results, do not panic. Consult your healthcare professionals for next steps. They will interpret results with your full health picture. 

• High uric acid levels (Hyperuricemia): May require lifestyle changes such as dietary adjustments, weight management, limiting alcohol intake, and medications to reduce uric acid and prevent gout or kidney stones.
• Low uric acid levels (Hypouricemia): Are uncommon and usually not a cause for concern, but may be reviewed if symptoms are present Doctors do investigate underlying causes such as liver disease, kidney tubular disorders, SIADH, or medication effects.
• Follow-up testing: Additional tests may be recommended to monitor progress or identify underlying conditions.

FAQs

1. What is a uric acid test?

Uric acid testing measures uric acid in the body It evaluates how well your kidneys eliminate uric acid from the body. Additionally, it assists with determining whether you have conditions associated with elevated uric acid levels such as gout, kidney stones, and renal or metabolic disorders.

Early testing can prevent long-term complications, including joints and kidney damage. 

2. Why is a uric acid test done?

Uric acid testing is performed to investigate joint pain, swelling, or suspected gout. It also assesses how well the kidneys are functioning, as well as monitor an individual’s risk of developing kidney stones. 

Doctors may also use uric acid test results to identify metabolic conditions, or to monitor individuals undergoing specific medical treatments. 

3. What happens if uric acid is high?

If you have elevated uric acid levels, the body may produce excess urate crystals, which can accumulate in the joints and cause gout, leading to intense joint inflammation. 

Continued elevated uric acid levels can also result in kidney stone formation, kidney damage, or worsening of existing kidney disorders if left untreated. 

Timely treatment of excessive uric acid levels helps prevent irreversible joint damage.

4. What are the symptoms of high uric acid?

Sign and symptoms may include: 

• Redness
• Swelling
• Extreme pain in the affected joint(s)
• A warm sensation in the affected area(s)
• Abdominal or back pain, bloody urine
• Blood in the urine 
• Foul-smelling urine
• Pain during urination
• Nausea and vomiting.

5. How is the uric acid test performed?

A blood sample is typically collected from a vein in your arm to perform a uric acid test, However, a urine sample, either as a one-time sample or a complete 24-hour collection, may also be used to measure uric acid levels. 

A sample is analyzed in a laboratory to determine uric acid levels. The procedure is quick, safe, and minimally invasive. 

6. How should I prepare for a uric acid test?

The test usually does not require fasting. You may eat or drink water only before the blood test. However, avoiding alcohol, high-purine foods, and strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours may help ensure most accurate results. 

Also, inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are currently taking, as they affect the test results. 

7. What are the normal ranges for uric acid?

Normal serum uric acid levels are approximately 3.4-7.0 mg/dL for men and 2.4-6.0 mg/dL for women. 

For a 24-hour urine test, normal values range between 250-750 mg. Results outside these ranges may need medical evaluation. Always interpret results in consultation with a healthcare provider.

8. What is the cost of a uric acid test? 

The cost of a uric acid test can vary depending on the lab, location, and whether it’s part of a package. At Redcliffe Labs in Delhi, the uric acid blood test is typically available at a competitive price of ₹149 with options for home sample collection and fast digital reports.