Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: 4 hours recommended
- Turn-around: 1-2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Monitor your gout risk — catch high uric acid before painful flares begin
- Protect kidney health — identify stone formation risk and assess function early
- Convenient, confidential testing — order online, visit a local lab, get results fast
- Empower your health decisions — no physician referral needed to start
- Track treatment progress — ideal for monitoring uric acid-lowering therapies
- Peace of mind — understand your levels and take informed action
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with recurring joint pain, swelling, or suspected gout symptoms
- People with a history of kidney stones or unexplained urinary tract issues
- Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy requiring uric acid monitoring
- Anyone with a family history of gout or hyperuricemia
- Health-conscious individuals seeking proactive kidney and metabolic health screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — purchase your test and receive a lab requisition form instantly
- Visit a nearby lab — get a quick blood draw at thousands of convenient locations
- Access your results — view confidential results online within 1–2 business days.
FAQ
What is uric acid, and why does it matter? Uric acid is a waste product from purine breakdown in your body and diet. Elevated levels can lead to gout, kidney stones, or kidney dysfunction (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Do I need to fast before this test? Fasting for 4 hours is recommended for the most accurate results, though it may not be strictly required.
What should I avoid before testing? Limit alcohol and high-purine foods like liver, anchovies, sardines, and dried beans for 24 hours before your test (CDC 2025).
How quickly will I get my results? Results are typically available within 1–2 business days after your blood is drawn.
Can medications affect my uric acid levels? Yes. Certain diuretics, vitamin C supplements, and other medications can raise or lower uric acid levels. Discuss medications with your healthcare provider.
What if my uric acid level is high? Elevated levels warrant medical consultation to assess gout risk, kidney function, and treatment options like dietary changes or medications.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Uric Acid Blood Test measures the concentration of uric acid in your bloodstream. Uric acid forms when your body breaks down purines—nitrogen-containing compounds found in your cells and in foods like liver, anchovies, sardines, dried beans, and beer. Your kidneys normally remove most uric acid through urine, with the remainder excreted in stool. When your body produces too much uric acid or fails to eliminate enough, excess levels can combine with other chemicals to form painful gout crystals or kidney stones. This test helps diagnose gout, investigate kidney stone causes, monitor patients undergoing cancer treatment, and assess overall kidney function (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
You may benefit from this test if you experience joint pain or swelling—especially in your toes, ankles, or knees—as these are classic gout symptoms. It's also valuable if you have a history of kidney stones, are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or have suspected kidney dysfunction. Health-conscious individuals seeking proactive metabolic screening, people with a family history of gout, and patients monitoring the effectiveness of uric acid-lowering therapy will find this test helpful (American College of Rheumatology 2023).
When should I order a Uric Acid Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience symptoms suggestive of gout, such as sudden joint pain, redness, tenderness, or warmth around affected joints. If you've had recurrent kidney stones characterized by severe pain in your abdomen, back, side, or groin, this test helps identify whether high uric acid is a contributing factor. You should also order this test before starting chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as these treatments can temporarily elevate uric acid levels. Additionally, order this test to monitor the effectiveness of medications or lifestyle changes aimed at lowering uric acid (NIH 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Your results will show your serum uric acid level in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Compare your value to the reference ranges below, though individual laboratories may use slightly different ranges.
Uric Acid Level 2.5–6.0 mg/dL (women) / 3.5–7.0 mg/dL (men)
- What it means: Normal range
- Typical action: No immediate action; maintain healthy lifestyle
Uric Acid Level >6.0 mg/dL (women) / >7.0 mg/dL (men)
- What it means: Elevated (hyperuricemia)
- Typical action: Consult provider; assess gout/kidney risk; consider dietary changes or treatment
Uric Acid Level <2.5 mg/dL
- What it means: Low (rare)
- Typical action: Discuss with provider; may indicate certain metabolic conditions
Gout affects approximately 4% of the U.S. population, with hyperuricemia as the primary risk factor (American College of Rheumatology 2023).
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.
Pre-test preparation
Avoid alcohol and high-purine foods—including liver, anchovies, sardines, dried beans, and beer—for 24 hours before your test. Fasting for 4 hours is recommended for the most accurate results. Stay well-hydrated with water. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you're taking, as some can affect uric acid levels. No other special preparation is typically required (CDC 2025).
How often should I get tested?
First-time screening or symptoms
- Suggested interval: Once, then as advised by provider
Active gout or recent kidney stones
- Suggested interval: Every 3–6 months to monitor treatment
During chemotherapy or radiation
- Suggested interval: As directed by oncologist (often monthly)
Stable, on uric acid-lowering therapy
- Suggested interval: Every 6–12 months to confirm control
Preventive monitoring (family history)
- Suggested interval: Annually or as recommended
Why early detection matters
Early identification of elevated uric acid levels allows you to take preventive action before painful gout flares or kidney stones develop. Hyperuricemia is also linked to increased risk of chronic kidney disease progression, making early detection critical for long-term kidney health (National Kidney Foundation 2025). Timely management through dietary modifications, hydration, and medical treatment reduces the frequency of gout attacks, prevents kidney damage, and lowers overall healthcare costs. Studies show that proactive uric acid management significantly improves quality of life and reduces emergency visits for acute gout episodes (NIH 2024).
Related tests you may consider
Creatinine Urine Test, 24-Hour - assess kidney function, which directly affects uric acid clearance
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Blood Test, Quantitative- Measures CRP levels to detect and monitor inflammation caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, injuries, or chronic conditions, helping doctors assess treatment effectiveness and overall health.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGFR Blood Test- Evaluates nutrient levels, liver, and kidney function.
