Uric Acid
Also known as
Serum Urate, UA, Uric Acid
The test is ordered by the doctor to identify elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which is indicative of gout. The test also aids in monitoring uric acid levels when the patient is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. In addition, the test is used to detect high levels of uric acid in the urine in order to identify the cause of kidney stones and to monitor those who are at risk of developing kidney stones.
The test is ordered by the doctor when the patient has joint pain and other signs which are linked to gout. It is also ordered when the patient has had or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer if the patient has recurrent kidney stones, gout or is at risk for kidney stone formation due to underlying disorders.
This is a blood or urine test. For the blood test, a blood sample is drawn by the technician from a vein in the arm using a syringe. For the 24-hour urine test,, urine must be collected over a day in a clean, uncontaminated container and submitted for testing.
It depends. In some cases, no preparation is needed. However, some labs and institution recommend fasting for 8-10 hours – you can’t consume anything other than water. The patient should follow all set instructions.
Uric acid is made as a by-product when purine is broken down. Purines refer to nitrogen-containing compounds that are present in the cells of the body, including DNA. This test is used to measure the amount of uric acid found in the blood or the urine. When cells get older and die, they break down and release purine into the blood. To a minimal degree, purines are found in the body after the digestion of certain foods like liver, dried beans, peas, beer, anchovies, and mackerel.
Uric acid is largely removed from the body by the kidneys. It is eliminated from the body in the form of urine, with the remainder being ejected via stool. If there is too much uric acid in the body, it can accumulate in the body, leading to elevated levels in the blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia. An excess of uric acid in the blood can lead to gout, a condition that involves the inflammation of joints because of the formation of uric acid crystals in the joint fluid.
An excess of uric acid may also be deposited in the kidney, leading to kidney stones or kidney dysfunction. The accumulation of too much uric acid in the body can be due to either the production of excess uric acid, the poor elimination of uric acid, or a combination of both conditions. High levels of uric acid tend to occur because there is a high level of cell death, which occurs due to some cancer therapies, or in some rare cases, has a tendency to make too much uric acid. The decreased elimination of uric acid occurs due to impaired kidney function because of kidney disease.
This test is used to identify high levels of uric acid in the blood in order to diagnose gout. It is also useful in the evaluation and monitoring of uric acid levels in people with cancer who are being treated with chemotherapy and ration. High and quick cell turnover as a result of this treatment can lead to higher levels of uric acid in the blood. The urine test for uric acid is used primarily to identify why kidney stones are recurring and to monitor people with gout for likely stone formation.
The test is ordered by the doctor when he or she suspects that the patient has a high uric acid level. It is ordered when the patient has symptoms of gout, such as:
- Pain and/or swelling in the joints, especially in the big toe, ankle, or knee
- Reddish, shiny skin around the joints
- Joints that feel warm when touched
- Sharp pains in your abdomen, side, or groin
- Back pain
- Blood in your urine
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Pain when urinating
- Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
- Nausea and vomiting
If the blood test results indicate high uric acid levels, it is possible you have any of the following diseases or conditions
- Kidney disease
- Preeclampsia, a condition that can cause dangerously high blood pressure in pregnant women
- A diet that includes too many purine-rich foods
- Alcoholism
- Side effects of cancer treatment
- Gout
- A diet that includes too many purine-rich foods
- Leukaemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Side effects of cancer treatment
- Obesity
Related Tests: Synovial Fluid Analysis, Kidney Stone Analysis, Kidney Stone Risk Panel
Frequently ordered together
Creatinine Serum
Creatinine Urine
Renal Function Test
Ultrasound Kidney
UREA NITROGEN 24HR WITHOUT CREATININE
Blood Urea Nitrogen BUN-Creatinine Ratio
Creatinine Random Urine
Protein Total 24-Hour Urine without Creatinine
Protein Total 12-Hour Urine with Creatinine
Kidney Profile
16.00$
13.00$
22.00$
295.00$
15.00$
17.00$
15.00$
42.00$
27.00$
26.00$
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Conditions Treated
Diabetes~: Metabolism~: Thyroid Disorder~: Hormonal Imbalance~: OsteporosisSyed Hassan MD
