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Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in some foods and drinks, such as liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans and peas, beer, and wine.
Most uric acid dissolves in blood and travels to the kidneys, where it passes out in urine. If your body produces too much uric acid or doesn't remove enough if it, you can get sick. High levels of uric acid in the body is called hyperuricemia.
This test checks to see how much uric acid you have in your blood.
See also: Uric acid - urine
How the test is performedBlood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
A laboratory specialist checks the blood sample for uric acid.
How to prepare for the testYou should not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the test unless told otherwise. Your doctor may also tell you to stop taking any drugs that may affect the test results. NEVER stop taking any medicine without talking to your doctor.
Drugs that can increase the level of uric acid in your body include:
- Alcohol
- Ascorbic acid
- Aspirin
- Caffeine
- Cisplatin
- Diazoxide
- Diuretics
- Epinephrine
- Ethambutol
- Levodopa
- Methyldopa
- Nicotinic acid
- Phenothiazines
- Theophylline
Drugs that can decrease the level of uric acid in your body include:
- Allopurinol
- Azathioprine
- Clofibrate
- Corticosteroids
- Estrogen
- Glucose
- Guaifenesin
- Mannitol
- Probenecid
- Warfarin
This test is done to see if you have high levels of uric acid in your blood. High levels of uric acid can cause gout or kidney disease.
Your doctor may also order this test if you have had or are about to have certain types of chemotherapy. Rapid weight loss, which may occur with such treatments, can increase the amount of uric acid in your blood.
Normal ValuesNormal values fall between 3.0 and 7.0 mg/dL.
Note: Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory.
What abnormal results meanGreater-than-normal levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia) may be due to:
- Acidosis
- Alcoholism
- Diabetes
- Gout
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Lead poisoning
- Leukemia
- Nephrolithiasis
- Polycythemia vera
- Renal failure
- Toxemia of pregnancy
- Purine-rich diet
- Excessive exercise
- Chemotherapy-related side effects
Lower-than-normal levels of uric acid may be due to:
- Fanconi syndrome
- Wilson's disease
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion
- Low purine diet
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
ReferencesTerkeltaub R. Crystal deposition diseases. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 294.
What else can I help you with?
What test is useful in diagnosis of gout?
It is a test for uric acid. High Uric acid in he blood can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals which are responsible for the pain.
Separation of uric acid from urine?
The liver removes uric acid fromthe blood.
What blood test indicates high uric acid?
"The ''uric acid test" is ordered if the doctor suspects high levels of uric acid''
How do you know which abbreviation on a blood test is for uric acid or gout?
UA or U/A is the abbreviation for Uric acid blood test.
How uric acid decrease?
If you need to decrease the uric acid in your blood, that is done by eating less protein. Uric acid is a byproduct of protein digestion.
What medical condition is associated with high blood concentrations of uric acid?
High blood concentrations of uric acid can lead to gout. Gout is the most commonly associated medical condition with high blood concentrations of uric acid.
Will donating blood reduce uric acid levels?
yes, by donating blood, uric acid level can be reduced at minimal extend .........
What is a uric acid test?
tests that are done to measure the levels of uric acid in blood serum or in urine.
What is URCA in blood test?
URCA in a blood test is uric acid. High levels of uric acid in the blood can result in a very painful condition called gout.
Is a kind of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in blood and causes joint inflammation Uric acid is breakdown product of?
Gout Is a kind of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in blood producing uric acid crystals causing joint inflammation. Uric acid is breakdown product of Purines which are fond in the nucleus of living cells.
Do sweets affect uric acid?
Uric acid levels in the blood result from protein consumption; sweets contain very little protein and therefore do not affect uric acid.
What type of arthritis is from uric acid?
Gouty arthritis is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid comes fro the nucleus of the cels we eat as purines
