A Uric Acid test measures the level of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a natural waste product formed when the body breaks down purines — substances found naturally in the body and in certain foods such as red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol. Uric acid is dissolved in the blood, filtered by the kidneys, and excreted in urine.
This test is primarily used to diagnose and monitor gout, a painful form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It is also used to detect hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels), monitor patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy (which can raise uric acid due to rapid cell breakdown), and evaluate kidney stones and kidney function. Low uric acid levels may indicate liver or kidney disease or certain rare genetic conditions.
