Home Biomarkers Uric Acid

Uric Acid

Kidney Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Kidney

Overview

Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism produced mainly in the liver and excreted primarily by the kidneys (and partly by the gut). A serum uric acid test measures the concentration of urate in the blood to help evaluate gout, uric acid kidney stones, unexplained renal impairment, and to monitor urate‑lowering therapy. Symptoms that commonly prompt testing include sudden, painful monoarthritis (classically the big toe), recurrent kidney stones, or signs of reduced kidney function. Levels vary by age and sex (generally higher in men and rising after menopause in women), and are influenced by diet, body weight, alcohol use, medications, and renal function.

People also test for

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: Included in the Kidney profile / renal function assessment.
Symptoms: Acute joint pain/swelling, recurrent kidney stones, decreased urine output, unexplained renal impairment.
Conditions: Diagnoses/monitors gout, urate nephropathy, uric acid stones, tumor lysis syndrome, and assesses risk from chronic kidney disease.
Reasons for abnormal levels: Overproduction (high cell turnover, diet), underexcretion (renal impairment), drugs.
Biological meaning: High = excess urate burden or reduced renal clearance; Low = reduced production or increased renal loss.
Lifestyle/family: High purine intake, alcohol, obesity, family history of gout or kidney disease warrant testing.

Run our symptom checker to see if this test is right for you

Symptom Checker

Understanding Test Results

Mildly elevated: values just above the upper limits (men >7.0 mg/dL; women >6.0 mg/dL) indicate hyperuricemia and increased risk of gout and uric acid stones; assess diet, medications, and renal function.
Solubility threshold: serum urate ≥6.8 mg/dL (≈404 μmol/L) increases risk of monosodium urate crystal formation and gout flares.
Marked elevation: levels ≥13 mg/dL (≈773 μmol/L) are severe, raise concern for acute urate nephropathy or tumor lysis syndrome and usually require urgent management.
Low values: <2.0 mg/dL (≈120 μmol/L) are uncommon and may reflect low production (rare enzyme defects, severe liver disease) or increased renal loss (proximal tubule defects, certain medications); generally not urgent but merit evaluation if unexplained.
Actions: Abnormal results should be correlated with symptoms, repeat testing if needed, evaluate renal function and medications, and consider urine uric acid, imaging for stones, or specialist referral for persistent or very high values.

Normal Range

Men: 3.4-7.0 mg/dL OR 202-416 μmol/L Women: 2.4-6.0 mg/dL OR 143-357 μmol/L

FAQs

Q: What happens if uric acid is high?

A: If uric acid is persistently high (hyperuricemia), urate crystals can form in joints causing gout: sudden, severe pain, swelling, redness and limited movement. Crystals also deposit in soft tissues (tophi) and kidneys, causing painful uric acid stones and potential kidney damage. Long-term high uric acid is linked with chronic kidney disease and increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular/metabolic problems.

Q: How do I reduce my uric acid level?

A: Lower uric acid by drinking plenty of water, losing weight if overweight, and limiting high‑purine foods (red meat, organ meats, shellfish) and sugary/fructose beverages. Reduce alcohol—especially beer—eat more low‑fat dairy, vegetables, cherries and vitamin C–rich fruits, and choose plant proteins. Maintain regular exercise, and see your doctor about testing and medications if levels remain high.

Q: What does uric acid mean?

A: Uric acid is a waste chemical produced when the body breaks down purines—compounds in cells and many foods. It normally dissolves in blood and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels (hyperuricemia) can form crystals in joints or kidneys, leading to gout or kidney stones. Diet, alcohol, obesity, some medications and decreased kidney function can raise uric acid.

Q: What foods cause too much uric acid?

A: Foods that raise uric acid include high‑purine items such as red meats, organ meats (liver, kidneys), and certain seafood (anchovies, sardines, mackerel, shellfish). Sugary beverages and foods high in fructose, alcohol—especially beer—and processed meats also increase uric acid production and can trigger gout attacks. Limiting these and choosing low‑purine options helps manage uric acid levels.

Q: Can high uric be cured?

A: High uric acid (hyperuricemia) often can’t be permanently “cured” in all cases, but it is usually controllable. Lifestyle changes—diet, weight loss, reduced alcohol and fructose intake—and treating underlying conditions can lower levels. When needed, long-term urate‑lowering drugs effectively normalize uric acid and prevent gout flares. Ongoing monitoring and adherence are key to sustained control.

Q: How to check uric acid at home?

A: Use a validated home uric‑acid testing kit (blood finger‑prick meter or urine test strips). Follow the kit: wash hands, lance fingertip, apply a drop to the strip or cartridge, insert into the reader, and wait the indicated time. For urine, collect a midstream sample, dip strip, and compare to the color chart. Check expiry and storage. Abnormal/home results need lab confirmation and clinician follow‑up.