What is a uric acid test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is a uric acid test?
It is used to measure the amount of uric acid in the blood.
Also Read: GOUT
What is uric acid?
It is a normal waste product that the body makes when it breaks down chemicals called purines. Purines are secreted from the cells when they die. Uric acid mostly dissolves in the blood.
What is the normal value of uric acid?
Males: 2.5 – 7.0 mg/dl
Females: 1.5 – 6.0 mg/dl
What is the uric acid test used for?
It is used to diagnose several conditions:
- Help in diagnosing gout, is usually done with a synovial fluid analysis.
- To monitor the uric acid levels in cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or certain other cancer treatments. During chemotherapy, it kills cancer cells very quickly they release more purines into the blood.
- Have gout and monitor the risk of developing kidney stones.
- Kidney disorders.
Why do I need a uric acid test?
- If you have symptoms of gout then you may need this test to be performed. The symptoms may include:
- Pain in the big toe, ankle, or knee
- Swelling in the joints
- Redness over the joints
- Feeling warm
- If you had or have cancer treatments.
- You may need to do this test if you have symptoms of kidney stones, including:
- Sharp pain in the lower abdomen
- Blood in urine
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Pain while urination
- Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
What does a high uric acid indicate?
- Gout
- Kidney stones
- Leukaemia, multiple myeloma
- Side effects from certain cancer treatments
- Obesity
- Preeclampsia
- Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is an inherited genetic condition
What does a low uric acid indicate?
The low uric acid in the blood usually doesn’t cause any health issues. But the low uric acid in the urine may be due to some reasons:
- Kidney disease
- Lead poisoning
- Alcohol use disorder
Is fasting required for the uric acid test?
Fasting for 4 hours is required before the uric acid test.
