Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Fasting for at least 4 hours prior to collection is required.
- Tunraround: 1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the concentration of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a chemical produced when your body breaks down purines, substances found in your cells and in certain foods like liver, anchovies, sardines, dried beans, and beer. Your kidneys remove most uric acid from your body through urine, with the rest passed through stool.
This is a directly measured, quantitative blood test. It reports your uric acid level as a concentration, not as a ratio, index, or calculated value. The result reflects the amount of uric acid circulating in your blood at the time of collection, which may help a healthcare provider evaluate conditions related to elevated or abnormal uric acid levels.
Benefits
- Measures your blood uric acid concentration directly
- Supports evaluation of gout related symptoms
- Helps assess recurring kidney stone patterns
- Can support monitoring during certain cancer treatments
- Provides a quantitative result for provider review
- Requires only a blood sample with brief fasting
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing recurring joint pain or swelling
- People with symptoms that may suggest gout
- People with a history of recurring kidney stones
- People undergoing certain cancer treatments needing monitoring
- People whose healthcare provider recommends checking uric acid levels
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is produced as your body breaks down purines from cell turnover and certain foods. This measurement may help a healthcare provider evaluate symptoms associated with gout or recurring kidney stones. It does not diagnose a condition on its own and is intended to be reviewed alongside your symptoms and medical history.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
This test may be useful for people who have noticed joint pain, swelling, or symptoms that could be related to elevated uric acid levels. It may also be considered by people with a history of recurring kidney stones or those undergoing certain cancer treatments where monitoring uric acid is relevant. Whether this test is appropriate depends on your individual situation and provider guidance.
3. When should I order this test?
You may consider ordering this test if you have experienced recurring symptoms such as joint pain or swelling, or if you have had recurring kidney stones. It may also be used to help monitor uric acid levels during certain cancer treatments. This test is not intended to replace a full medical evaluation of your symptoms.
4. What does this test measure?
This test measures your blood uric acid level as a quantitative concentration. The result is a direct measurement, not a calculated value, ratio, or index. It reflects the amount of uric acid present in your blood sample at the time of collection. It does not evaluate other biomarkers, substances, or specimen types, and it is distinct from imaging or urine based evaluations of kidney stones.
5. Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes. Fasting for at least 4 hours prior to collection is required for this test.
6. How quickly will I get results?
Results are generally available in 1-2 days. Turnaround may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
7. How do I interpret the results?
Interpreting your uric acid result depends on your individual symptoms, medical history, medications, and other laboratory findings. A single elevated or low result does not automatically confirm or rule out a specific condition, and results should be considered alongside your overall clinical picture. Your healthcare provider is best positioned to explain what your specific result means for you.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
8. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If your results fall outside the expected range, it is important to review them with a qualified healthcare provider. They can help interpret your result in the context of your symptoms and health history, and determine whether additional evaluation or testing may be appropriate. This test result alone does not provide a complete clinical conclusion.
9. How often should I get tested?
There is no fixed testing schedule for this test. How often you should be retested depends on your individual health situation and should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider.
Pre test preparation
Fasting for at least 4 hours prior to collection is required.
