Description
Uric acid is produced by the breakdown of purines, chemicals that come from nucleic acids (DNA). They enter the circulation from digestion of foods or from normal metabolism in the body cells. Uric acid is removed by the kidneys and expulsed in the urine and also excreted in the feces.
The excesive presence of uric acid in blood can cause the condition called Gout - an inflammation that occurs in joints when crystals derived from uric acid form in the joint fluid.
Common reasons for accumulation of uric acid are an inherited tendency to overproduce uric acid or inapropiated kidney function that results in low ability to excrete uric acid.
Its concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.
Purpose of the test
To detect high levels of uric acid in blood, which could be a sign of the condition gout, or to monitor uric acid levels when undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
It is prescribed when monitoring certain chemotherapy or radiation therapies for cancer or when there are symptoms of gout such as joint pain.
The uric acid test is used to learn whether the body might be breaking down cells too quickly or not getting rid of uric acid quickly enough. The test also is used to monitor levels of uric acid when a patient has had chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
Reference range values
mg/dL (SI: mmol/L = 0.059 x mg/dL)
Male 3.7 - 8.6
Female 2.4 - 5.8
Abnormal findings
Higher than normal uric acid levels can be due to over production of uric acid or due to the body being unable to clear away it. In any case this lead to formation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which leads to the joint inflammation and pain characteristic of gout. Uric acid can also form crystals or kidney stones that can damage the kidneys.
Low values can be associated with some kinds of liver or kidney diseases, exposure to toxic compounds, and rarely as the result of an inherited metabolic defect.