Uric acid
Key points
- The laboratory centrifuges the blood to separate the serum from the cells and the uric acid test is done on the serum.
- Your medical provider may also advise you to discontinue drugs that may affect the test.
- This test is performed to detect elevated uric acid levels.
- Note: Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory.
Definition
This is a blood test that measures the amount of uric acid.
How the test is performed
Blood is drawn from a vein or a capillary. The laboratory centrifuges the blood to separate the serum from the cells and the uric acid test is done on the serum.
How to prepare for the test
Fast for 4 hours before the test. Your medical provider may also advise you to discontinue drugs that may affect the test.
Drugs that can increase uric acid measurements include alcohol, ascorbic acid, aspirin, caffeine, cisplatin, diazoxide, diuretics, epinephrine, ethambutol, levodopa, methyldopa, nicotinic acid, phenothiazines, and theophylline.
Drugs that can decrease uric acid measurements include allopurinol, high-dose aspirin, azathioprine, clofibrate, corticosteroids, estrogens, glucose infusion, guaifenesin, mannitol, probenecid, and warfarin.
Why the test is performed
This test is performed to detect elevated uric acid levels. Increased levels of uric acid can cause gout.
Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism (purines are building blocks of RNA and DNA). Most uric acid produced in the body is excreted by the kidneys. An overproduction of uric acid occurs when there is excessive breakdown of cells, which contain purines, or an inability of the kidneys to excrete uric acid.
Normal Values
Normal Values fall between 3.0 and 7.0 mg/dL.
Note: Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory.
What abnormal results mean
Greater-than-normal levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia) may indicate:
- acidosis
- alcoholism
- diabetes
- gout
- hypoparathyroidism
- lead poisoning
- leukemia
- nephrolithiasis
- polycythemia vera
- renal failure
- toxemia of pregnancy
- purine-rich diet
- severe exercise
Lower-than-normal levels of uric acid may indicate:
- Fanconi's syndrome
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.