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WHAT IS A URIC ACID LAB TEST?

The Uric Acid Test is a blood test that measures the level of uric acid in the blood.

AM I REQUIRED TO FAST FOR THIS LAB TEST?

No.

WHAT IS THE PRICE FOR A URIC ACID LAB TEST?

$49.00

*Price may vary by location – contact your local ANY LAB TEST NOW®

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY LAB TEST RESULTS?

Test results generally take between 24 to 72 business hours after your specimen is collected.

DESCRIPTION:

Uric acid is a compound in the blood that is used to diagnose gout, a form of arthritis, and to diagnose the cause of recurrent kidney stones.  High concentrations of uric acid are caused by the metabolic breakdown of purines which are found in certain foods such as high protein foods including organ meats, mackerel, herring and fructose and table sugar.  High consumption of alcohol can also increase uric acid levels.  Higher levels of uric acid can cause gout.  People with gout are also at a higher risk of developing kidney stones and the uric acid levels is a method of monitoring these patients for formation of them.  In addition, high cell turnover during chemotherapy or radiation treatment can cause high levels of uric acid.

WHY DO I NEED MY URIC ACID LEVEL TESTED?

Have you had nighttime attacks of swelling, tenderness, redness or sharp pain in your big toe, ankle or foot?  Or do you have recurring kidney stones?

The Uric Acid Test can assist your doctor with a diagnosis of gout or the cause of recurring kidney stones.  The buildup of uric acid that leads to gout or kidney disease can harm your joints.  To stop a gout attack your doctor can prescribe a corticosteroid or other medications which can begin to relieve symptoms form a gout attack within 24 hours.  Long term you may need to take medication that reduces the uric acid in your blood and adjust your diet and weight.  You should avoid regular daily intake of meat, seafood and alcohol (especially beer).  Drink plenty of water and other fluids.

Decreased elimination of uric acid may be caused by kidney disease but sometimes the cause of high uric acid levels is genetic or unknown.  Some studies point to a link between high uric acid and other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, unhealthy lipid levels, high blood pressure, stroke and preeclampsia, but the link is unclear and still somewhat controversial.

TEST DETAILS:

NORMAL RANGE:

Uric Acid levels in the blood:

Men:                     3.4 – 7.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)

Women:              2.4 – 6.0 mg/dL

Children:              2.0 – 5.5 mg/dL

HIGH RESULTS INDICATE:

High levels of uric acid in the blood is called hyperuricemia caused by an overproduction of uric acid or the inability of the kidneys to eliminate enough uric acid.  This may indicate gout or the possible formation of kidney stones.  Uric acid crystals sometimes form in joints at levels less than 7 mg/dL, especially in men.  Other possible conditions include:

  • Kidney disease or damage
  • Breakdown of body cells due to certain cancers such as leukemia or cancer treatment
  • Alcohol dependence or liver disease
  • Obesity
  • Preeclampsia
  • Sickle Cell Anemia
  • Lead Poisoning

LOW RESULTS INDICATE:

Low results may indicate kidney disease or chronic alcohol use leading to liver disease, some types of cancer, not enough protein or large amounts of some medications such as aspirin.

WHAT TYPE OF PHYSICIAN SHOULD I SEE IF MY TEST RESULTS ARE OUT-OF-RANGE?

If your lab test results are out of normal range, you may want to consult with your primary care physician.

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