Uric Acid Test: Why and How is it Done?

What is Uric Acid Test?

The uric acid test is also known as serum urate test or as a uric acid level. The test helps to determine the amount of uric acid present in the blood. In simple terms, when you consume food your body absorbs proteins and vitamins while flushing out waste products called uric acid. Your body releases uric acid in the form of urine and poop. In some cases, your body does not flush out enough uric acid or your body produces excess uric acid. Too much uric acid in your body can cause a disorder called hyperuricemia. While lack of uric acid in your blood can cause kidney or liver diseases. The primary aim of undergoing the test is to diagnose kidney stones or gout. Gout is a form of arthritis wherein the crystals present in the uric acid accumulate in your joints. This can cause severe pain and swelling.

Kidney stones are a formation of small stones in your kidneys because of excess uric acid in your blood. If you have kidney stones, you may experience blood in the urine, pain the lower back, diarrhoea, etc.

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Why is Uric Acid Test Done?

The uric acid test helps to check if your body is producing as well as flushing out enough uric acid. Your doctor may prescribe you to undergo a serum uric acid test to diagnose kidney disorder and gout, monitor the functioning of kidneys after an accident, and diagnose kidney stones.

If you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, you will need to take the test to monitor the levels of uric acid in your blood. Other reasons your doctor may ask you to take the test are if:

• You have a medical history of kidney stones or gout.
• You have excess pain or swelling in joints.

To diagnose kidney disease, as an alternate to uric acid test you may be asked to do a urine test.

Prerequisites for Uric Acid Test

• No specific preparation is required before the test. Talk to your healthcare expert about the preparation needed.
• Your healthcare expert may ask you to observe overnight fasting before drawing the blood.
• Share the list of medications, herbals, or supplements you take. There are chances it might interfere with the result. In such cases, your doctor may ask you to avoid consuming those medications or herbals or change the dosage. Medications that interfere with the results include vitamin B3, aspirin, and diuretics.
• Avoid consumption of alcohol a few hours before the test. It may interfere with the test results.
• Wear clothes that are comfortable while going for the test.

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Understanding Uric Acid Test Results

Blood uric acid levels are measured in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL). The normal levels of uric acid levels may vary depending on the gender, lab, doctor, and city. However, in most places, uric acid levels under 6.8 mg/dL are said to be normal.

High levels of uric acid in the blood is an indication that you are having kidney diseases or your kidneys are unable to flush out enough uric acid from the body. Those undergoing chemotherapy may usually have high levels of uric acid in the blood.

You may have the following health condition if your result indicates high levels of uric acid levels:

• Kidney stones
• Acute kidney failure
• Leukaemia
• Gout
• Diabetes
• Hypoparathyroidism

If you have high levels of uric acid in your blood, your doctor may ask you to take a few more tests to diagnose if you have any other medical conditions. Tests include complete blood count (CBC), renal ultrasound, X-rays of joints, or complete metabolic panel.

You must note that not every time having high uric acid levels indicate gout or kidney diseases. While there are also chances of the result indicating the normal range and you still developing kidney disease or gout.

Low levels of uric acid in the blood is an indication that you are consuming food that has purines in less amount, or you have Wilson’s disease or Fanconi syndrome.

After diagnosing your health condition based on the results, your doctor may suggest if you need to undergo any treatments and take medications. Your doctor may also provide you with a list of foods to eat and avoid.

Read More : Urinalysis (Urine Test): Why and How is it Done?

When should Uric Acid Test be Repeated?

If you are undergoing treatment for kidney disease or gout, you will be asked to repeat the test to check the effectiveness of the treatment and medications. For those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, your doctor will ask you to repeat the test regularly to check the uric acid levels in the blood.

Procedure for Uric Acid Test

The process of performing a uric acid test is similar to other blood tests.

• For the test, the selected area in your arm will be cleaned using an antiseptic.
• The healthcare professional will tie a band around your upper arm so that the veins are filled with blood.
• Later, he/she will insert a needle into a vein and draw blood.
• The collected blood is stored and sent for analysis.
• The healthcare expert will untie the band.
• If there is any bleeding, he/she will apply a bandage.
• In infants, the doctor may make a small cut in the arm area and place a slide to collect the blood sample. Once the blood is drawn, the area is cleaned properly and a bandage is applied.
• There are no potential complications involved while performing the test. However, in some cases, there are chances of infection or bleeding from the punctured area. If the bleeding from the puncture site is excess or if it does not stop even after some time, seek medical help.