OVERVIEW:
What is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a normal waste product that's made when the body breaks down chemicals called purines.
Purines are substances found in your own cells and also in some foods. Most uric acid dissolves in the
blood and then goes to the kidneys. From there, it leaves the body through the urine. If the body makes
too much uric acid or doesn't release enough into the urine, it can build up inside the body leading to a
variety of health conditions.
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
Uric acid is a nitrogenous compound produced by the metabolic breakdown of purines. 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. 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.
It is important to keep a vigilant eye on the uric acid levels as increased uric acid be harmful, it deposits
within the joints and tissues of the body leading to a condition called Gout, gout is extremely harmful for
joints and can lead to arthritis.Blood 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
How is this test performed?
This test is performed on a urine sample.
Is there any risk associated with this test?
There is no risk associated with the test.
What is Hyperuricemia?
Hyperuricemia refers to a condition where the blood uric acid level is above the normal range. This
the condition may be caused due to an overproduction of uric acid or improper elimination of it from the blood.
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 the 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
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
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
If your blood test results show high uric acid levels, it can mean you have:
- Kidney disease
- Preeclampsia, a condition that can cause dangerously high blood pressure in pregnant women
- A diet that includes too many purine-rich foods
- Alcoholism
- Side effects of cancer treatment
Low levels of uric acid in the blood are uncommon and not usually cause for concern.
WHY GET TESTED?
A uric acid test is most often used to:
- Help diagnose gout
- Help find the cause of frequent kidney stones
- Monitor the uric acid level of people undergoing certain cancer treatments. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause high levels of uric acid to go into the blood.