Uric Acid (Fluid)

A uric acid test is used to measure the amount of uric acid in your urine or blood. It can be done in two forms either a blood test or a urine test. Uric acid test is also called serum urate.

What is uric acid?

Uric acid is a waste product that is made by the human body after it breaks down a chemical called purines. Purines are found within some cells in the human body and in some foods as well. Foods that may contain high levels of purines include: sardines, beer, dried beans, liver and anchovies.

Most uric acid is dissolved in blood which then goes to kidneys and then it is passed out of the body in the form of urine. If your body is making too much of Uric acid which isn’t getting released in your urine, it can start forming crystals in your joints which is called Gout. Gout is a form of arthritis that causes painful joints.

Why is a uric acid test needed?

Uric acid test can help diagnose following conditions:

1. Gout
2. Kidney stones
3. Monitor Uric acid levels in people undergoing cancer treatment

When should you get a uric acid test?

You should get a Uric acid test if you have following symptoms:

• Reddish or shiny skin around the joints in your body
• Severe stinging pain or swelling around the joints especially knee, big toe or ankle
• Joints that may feel warm at touch
• Blood in urine
• Smelly urine
• Frequent urges to urinate
• Pain while urinating
• Nausea
• Back pain
• Abdominal pain
• You may also need a uric acid test if you are going through chemotherapy or radiation therapy because these treatments tend to increase the Uric acid levels in the body.

Uric acid test procedure

A uric acid test can be performed in two ways. Blood uric acid test and urine uric acid test are its two main types. The details of both are mentioned below:

• Blood uric acid test: A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. They insert a needle and collect a small amount of blood in a vial or test tube. You will just feel a sting while the needle goes into your skin. The process doesn’t take any longer than 5 minutes.

• Urine uric acid test: For this test you will be required to collect all your urine passed in the period of 24 hours. You will be provided with a container and detailed instructions on how to collect and store your urine. What you are supposed to do is empty your bladder in the morning, flush it away and record the time. Then for the next 24 hours you are supposed to store all the passed urine in a pre-provided container and store it in refrigerator or a cooler with ice. After completion of 24 hours you are supposed to return the container to your health care provider’s office or laboratory.

Uric acid test normal range

Normal Uric acid levels are 2.4-6.0mg/dl (female) and 3.4-7.0mg/dl (male). However, normal ranges can vary from laboratory to laboratory. It is not good to have a higher or low Uric acid level than normal ranges.

What does it mean if my uric acid level is high?

A higher Uric acid level means that you may have gout, leukaemia, you may be obese or it can also be a side effect from a cancer treatment. This condition is also called hyperuricemia.

What does it mean if my uric acid level is low?

Low Uric acid levels signify kidney diseases, heavy alcohol usage or lead poisoning.

How can high and low uric acid levels be fixed?

A high or low level of Uric acid can be fixed with slight dietary changes or with the help of medications.

Are there any risks associated with a uric acid test?

There are no risks associated with a Uric acid test, be it a blood or urine one. It is a safe laboratory procedure.

Uric acid test price in Pakistan

The price of Uric Acid test in Pakistan is around Rs. 700 - 800. The price can vary depending on the lab you choose. However, on oladoc you can avail discounts on lab tests as well.