A uric acid test is a test that is performed either by taking a urine sample or taking a blood sample. The goal of this examination is to know the percentage of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is produced as a result of the breakdown of purines, which are substances that the body produces naturally or when eating foods rich in purines. Read More
This test measures the amount of uric acid in a sample of the blood . Uric acid is a normal waste product that your body makes when it breaks down chemicals called purines. Purines come from your cells when they die. Purines are also found in many foods and beverages.
Most uric acid dissolves in your blood. Your kidneys filter the uric acid out of your blood, and it leaves your body in your urine. If uric acid builds up in your blood, it can form needle-shaped crystals in and around your joints. This condition is called gout.
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes painful swelling in your joints. High uric acid levels can also cause kidney stones, or kidney failure. But not everyone with high levels of uric acid will have these problems.
A uric acid blood test may be used to:
Help diagnose gout
Monitor uric acid levels in people who are having cancer chemotherapy or certain other cancer treatments. When treatment kills cancer cells quickly, they release large amounts of purines into the blood. This can lead to serious problems from high uric acid levels. Testing helps catch an increase in uric acid so it can be treated early.
Low uric acid levels in blood can be caused by: Wilson's disease (copper accumulation in tissues) Severe liver disease Low protein diet Heavy metal poisoning Some types of cancer Certain medications Metabolic diseases
Natural sources of uric acid include: Red meat Organ meats like liver Seafood (especially salmon, shrimp, lobster, and sardines) Food and drinks with high fructose corn syrup
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It's characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe. An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the bedsheet on it may seem intolerable. Gout symptoms may come and go, but there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent flares. The signs and symptoms of gout almost always occur suddenly they include: Intense joint pain. Gout usually affects the big toe, but it can occur in any joint. Other commonly affected joints include the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and fingers. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins. Lingering discomfort. After the most severe pain subsides, some joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks. Later attacks are likely to last longer and affect more joints. Inflammation and redness. The affected joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm and red. Limited range of motion. As gout progresses, you may not be able to move your joints normally.
There are some ways to reduce uric acid levels in the body: Limit purine-rich foods. Avoid sugar. Drink plenty of fluids to help your kidneys flush out uric acid faster. Drink coffee in moderation. Manage weight. Manage blood sugar. Add more fiber to your diet. Incorporate cherries into your diet. Take a vitamin C supplement or eat foods that are high in vitamin C, such as oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, green peppers, red sweet peppers, broccoli, kiwi, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cantaloupe.
24-Hour Urine Uric Acid Test: Purpose: Measures uric acid excretion over a 24-hour period to evaluate kidney function and diagnose conditions affecting uric acid metabolism. Serum Creatinine Test: Purpose: Assesses kidney function, which can impact uric acid levels in the blood. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test: Purpose: Evaluates kidney function, helping to understand how well the kidneys are filtering waste, including uric acid. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride are regulated by the kidneys. Since uric acid is also filtered by the kidneys, electrolyte imbalances can indicate kidney dysfunction, which can affect uric acid levels. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test: Purpose: Assesses inflammation in the body, which can be related to conditions like gout that involve elevated uric acid levels.
It will take several hours to get the result