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Uric Acid Test (Gout)

The Uric Acid Test, commonly referred to as a gout test, measures uric acid levels in the blood.

$49
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Test Preparation:
None
Testing Method:
Blood draw

The Uric Acid Test, commonly referred to as a gout test, measures uric acid levels in the blood. Typically, the kidneys will dissolve uric acid and it will be released through urine. Uric acid is found in high-protein foods and drinks including organ meats, certain fish, dried beans, and beer. Excessive production of uric acid (or inability to filter efficiently) can lead to hyperuricemia which can lead to more serious conditions. However, our accurate Uric Acid Test can recognize abnormal levels and help prevent such conditions.

How Does a Uric Acid (Gout) Test Work?

A Uric Acid test occurs through the analysis of a patient’s blood sample. The Uric Acid blood test is a quick and painless procedure done in just minutes at any of our 4000 facilities. If you want a Uric Acid test, add this option to your cart and complete payment. You can then decide when to go to any of our locations for a lab technician to collect your blood sample. Use our Find a Lab to discover the locations nearest you. 

There is no need for you to worry about making an appointment. Simply come in when you are ready and check in with a member of our team. In a matter of moments, you will have your blood drawn and can leave. There is no special preparation or fasting necessary for this blood test. You can go to the lab the same day as your purchase, so long as it is within business hours. After your test, you will receive an email notifying you of the results available in 24-72 hours.

What is Gout?

When your body cannot expel uric acid efficiently or quickly enough or produces an excess amount of uric acid, the result can be the development of uric acid crystals resulting in Gout. Gout1 can happen due to various circumstances but is most common in individuals with a family history of the condition or medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, obesity, hypothyroidism, and high cholesterol. It can also occur in individuals undergoing certain cancer treatments.

While Gout is not a life-threatening condition, it can permanently damage your joint, and flare-ups can occur more often and closer together. With more flare-ups, a patient will suffer more painful episodes and risk causing permanent harm to the joints affected.

Symptoms that May Indicate a Need for a Uric Acid Test

If your body is having trouble managing the uric acid, it produces you may develop painful, uncomfortable, and sudden symptoms. Gout flares come and go over time; while you may have periods where you do not experience symptoms when they do occur, the inflammation and pain can be severe and get worse over time. Without addressing the cause of high uric acid, Gout can become more frequent and more difficult to control.

Symptoms of high uric acid can include:

  • Redness and inflammation of joint
  • Joint pain
  • Hot and tender areas within or near a joint
  • Stiffness and limited mobility of the joint
  • Severe pain that subsides over time

How to Interpret Your Uric Acid (Gout) Test Results

Understanding the Uric Acid blood test results is straightforward. When you view your results, you will see the Uric Acid label. One of the columns will show the amount of uric acid detected in your blood sample. Then you will see a reference range that indicates what is normal for an individual. For example, if your Uric Acid is too high or low, you will see a flag that alerts you to this result.

Uric Acid Test versus Routine Urinalysis

Our Uric Acid test specifically measures only the amount of uric acid2 present in your blood. Therefore, if you are looking for a basic analysis of your kidney function as well, a Routine Urinalysis may be a good option for you.

FAQs

  • High uric acid levels alert you and your doctor that your body is having trouble with the excretion of uric acid. This can happen because your body produces too much uric acid or cannot get rid of it through the kidneys, as is its function. The longer your body experiences high uric acid levels, the higher your risk of developing Gout or kidney stones.

  • Lower uric acid levels are less of a cause of concern than high results. In most cases, low uric acid is treatable with simple dietary changes and rarely indicates any underlying disease or medical condition.

  • While Gout is not curable, it is treatable and manageable. For example, a doctor can help you manage your Gout and prevent future flare-ups through the incorporation of medications, dietary changes or both.

  • Part of managing a gout condition is routinely checking your uric acid levels. Checking your uric acid every so often can help you see if your condition is improving, worsening, or stable with the treatment plan provided by your doctor.

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/gout-causes#decreased-uric-acid-excretion

  2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003476.htm