Uric Acid Test
800 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
urate, UA
Purpose
The uric acid test is a blood test that measures the level of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods and naturally in the body. This test is important for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as gout, kidney stones, and certain types of kidney disease.
It also helps evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions and may help to monitor patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as these treatments can increase uric acid levels.
Other tests that can be done alongside the test include Kidney function tests (e.g., creatinine, BUN), Complete blood count (CBC), Urinalysis, Serum electrolytes, and Joint fluid analysis.
Patient Preparation
No special preparation is required.
Samples
1ml with a minimum volume of 0.7ml of Serum or plasma collected in a Gel-barrier, red-top, or green-top tube (lithium heparin). Avoid using EDTA, oxalate, or citrate plasma. Separate the serum or plasma within 45 minutes of sample collection to avoid hemolysis. Store the sample at room temperature.
Reference Range
Male 2.0-8.4mg/dl, female 2.0 -7.9mg/dl
Results Turnaround
Within one day of receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
Some possible outcomes of the test include;
- Elevated Uric Acid Levels (Hyperuricemia):
A high level of uric acid in the blood may suggest conditions such as gout, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, malignancies, or increased cell turnover from chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It can also occur due to a high-purine diet, alcohol intake, or reduced kidney excretion.
- Decreased Uric Acid Levels (Hypouricemia):
Low uric acid levels may result from certain medications (e.g., aspirin, allopurinol, or high doses of vitamin C), liver disease, or inherited metabolic disorders. It may also be seen in syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) or malabsorption syndromes.
- Normal Uric Acid Levels:
A result within the reference range typically indicates balanced purine metabolism and kidney function, although it does not entirely rule out gout or kidney issues, especially if symptoms are present. Additional diagnostic evaluation may still be needed.
For more on the Uric Acid Test, read this study.