What is the uric acid (serum) lab test?
A uric acid (serum) lab test determines the level of uric acid in blood or urine. Uric acid is a chemical produced by your body when it breaks down the food that contains organic compounds called purines.
Why is the uric acid (serum) lab test done?
Uric acid (serum) lab test is done in order to:
- Diagnose and monitor people with gout,
- Monitor people who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment,
- Check kidney function after an injury,
- Find the cause of kidney stones,
- Diagnose kidney disorders.
What does uric acid (serum) lab test measure?
A uric acid (serum) lab test measures the amount of uric acid present in blood or urine. Uric acid is a waste product formed by the body when it breaks down foods that contain purines. Excessive formation of uric acid results in accumulation of uric acid in the joints. This condition is known as gout.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
Some common risks associated with this test are:
Pain and discomfort at the puncture site, bleeding, fainting, infection, or bruising at the puncture site.
What happens if serum uric acid is high?
Excessive uric acid in the body accumulates in the joints and causes gout; a painful form of arthritis.
What blood tests detect serum uric acid?
Serum uric acid test or serum urate test detect uric acid levels in the body.
What colour is uric acid in urine?
High uric acid levels cause reddish-orange discolouration of urine.
What is a safe uric acid level?
A safe uric acid level for females is 2.4mg/dL to 6mg/dL and for males is 3.4mg/dL to 7mg/dL.
The normal range of uric acid in females is 1.5mg/dL to 6mg/dL
The normal range of uric acid in males is 2.5mg/dL to 7mg/dL.
Any value higher than the normal range of uric acid indicates excess uric acid production or failure of kidneys in the complete elimination of uric acid from the body.
Uric acid (serum) lab test is done in order to:
- Diagnose and monitor people with gout,
- Monitor people who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment,
- Check kidney function after an injury,
- Find the cause of kidney stones,
- Diagnose kidney disorders.
