Uric Acid Test, Serum
Sample Type
Recommended for
Report
Uric acid is a natural waste product produced by the body produced by the breakdown of purines, a compound found in food. The majority of uric acid dissolves in the blood and travels to kidneys. It then exits the body via the urine. If the body produces too much uric acid or does not discharge enough into your urine, it can make crystals that form in your joint. This is referred to as gout, a type of arthritis that causes painful inflammation in and around the joints. One may be more susceptible to developing kidney stones if uric acid level is high. Additionally, hyperuricemia can aggravate chronic renal disease if it already exists or raises the chance of its development. High levels of uric acid can potentially lead to additional problems, such as renal failure. It is often assessed in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It is also used to determine the source of recurring kidney stones and to diagnose gout.
Reasons for Undergoing the Uric Acid Test
The uric acid test is a vital diagnostic tool used to assess various health conditions. The key reasons for undergoing this test include:
- Diagnosing gout, a form of arthritis causing intense joint pain and inflammation
- Monitoring uric acid levels during cancer treatment, as chemotherapy and radiation can lead to elevated levels
- Determining if high uric acid is causing kidney stones or assessing the risk of developing them
- Evaluating kidney function and detecting potential kidney diseases that may affect uric acid removal
- Identifying and managing conditions like leukemia, multiple myeloma, metabolic disorders, and medication side effects that impact uric acid levels
List of Parameters Considered During the Uric Acid Test
The uric acid test measures the concentration of uric acid in either blood or urine samples. The parameters considered include:
- Serum uric acid test: Measures uric acid levels in the blood, indicating how well the body produces and eliminates uric acid. High levels (hyperuricemia) may suggest gout, kidney disease, certain cancers, or treatment side effects, while low levels are less common but can be associated with liver or kidney disease, medications, or hereditary disorders.
- Urine uric acid test: Measures uric acid concentration in urine, usually collected over 24 hours. It helps diagnose the cause of recurrent kidney stones and monitors the risk of stone formation in people with gout. High levels may indicate gout, multiple myeloma, metastatic cancer, or a high-purine diet, while low levels can be associated with certain kidney diseases, chronic alcohol use, or lead poisoning.
Home Collection for Uric Acid Test Near You
Opting for SimplyCare’s home sample collection service for your uric acid blood test offers many benefits. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home at a time that fits your schedule, ensuring both comfort and safety throughout the process.
SimplyCare maintains high standards in sample handling and testing accuracy without compromising on the quality of the diagnostic process. You’ll receive your reports in a timely manner, without compromising on the quality of the diagnostic process.
Choosing the home collection service reflects SimplyCare’s dedication to delivering accessible and convenient healthcare, allowing you to receive vital diagnostic services from the comfort and safety of your home.
Price : ₹ 270
Your doctor might advise this test for the following conditions –
- Identify and assess Gout, a metabolic disorder of purine metabolism, Lesch-Nyhan & Fanconi Syndrome.
- Watch patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
- Evaluate kidney function following an accident.
- Discover the origin of kidney stones.
- Identify renal conditions.
This test determines the amount of uric acid in the blood of a person.
The procedure for taking a blood sample for testing is known as venipuncture. Here are the steps:
- Your doctor will draw blood from a vein, most often from your inner elbow or the back of your hand.
- They begin by using an antiseptic to sterilize the area. They will then wrap an elastic band around your arm to allow blood to flow through the veins. Then they will insert a needle into your vein and draw blood.
- Once the blood has been obtained, the healthcare provider will undo the plastic band and withdraw the syringe.
- Finally, they will apply pressure to the site of the puncture, and if required, bandage it.
- Once collected, the blood is delivered to a laboratory for testing.
Hyperuricemia is a condition where blood uric acid levels are greater than 6 mg per deciliter in women and greater than 7 mg per deciliter in men.
If your blood test results indicate high uric acid levels, it could mean either of the following.
- Your body is producing too much uric acid.
- Your kidneys aren’t eliminating enough uric acid from your body.
Several factors can cause high uric acid levels in the blood.
- Diabetes.
- Chemotherapy.
- Kidney stones.
- Kidney disorder.
- High purine diet.
- Hypoparathyroidism.
Uric acid levels can vary based on gender. The normal value is 1.5 to 6.0 mg per deciliter for men and 2.5 to 7 mg per deciliter for women. The greater the number, the more basic your blood is. The smaller the number, the more acidic your blood is. However, the values may vary depending on the lab performing the tests.
