Uric Acid Normal Range: Types, Level, Test, Limitations

The uric acid test determines the uric acid's normal range level in the urine. It is a type of waste material that the human body generates. The majority of uric acid the body produces gets dissolved in the blood. Uric acid leaves your body in urine after being removed from your blood by your kidneys. If uric acid levels rise, needle-shaped crystals may form in and around your joints. Before the condition worsens, the uric acid test helps doctors determine the body's uric acid levels and treatment options.

What Are Normal Uric Acid Levels?

As the body breaks down purine-containing substances, uric acid is produced. In addition to being naturally produced by the body, purines can also be found in some foods and beverages. Red meat, organ meat, and some varieties of seafood, including anchovies, mussels, sardines, scallops, trout, and tuna, are purine-rich foods. It is normal to have some uric acid in the blood. However, uric acid levels above or below a healthy normal uric acid level range can lead to medical issues. [1]

Given below are the uric acid levels: 

What is the Uric Acid Test?

Using a blood test for uric acid, a doctor can determine how much of a common waste product is present in your blood. Every time you eat, your body separates the nutrients, including vitamins and proteins, from the waste and excretes them. Uric acid is typically one of those waste products. Unusual uric acid levels, usually higher than the uric acid normal range, can lead to several health problems.

Uric Acid Normal Range in Females

The uric acid normal value in females typically ranges from 1.5 to 6.0 mg/dl, with low levels being below 1.5 mg/dl and high levels being above 6.0 mg/dl. [2] 

Uric Acid Normal Range in Males

Males typically have uric acid normal range levels between 2.5 and 7.0 mg/dl, with low levels falling below 2.5 mg/dl and high levels exceeding 7.0 mg/dl. [3] 

Why is a Uric Acid Test Done?

Maintaining the uric acid test's normal range is essential to the human body’s well-being. This test is carried out to identify high blood uric acid levels. Doctors then identify the causes behind the rise or fall of the uric acid level to select the most effective treatment option. Doctors advise uric acid testing for the reasons listed below:

• The diagnosis of gout may be made using a blood test for uric acid
• To keep track of uric acid levels when receiving cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment
• Look for high uric acid levels in the urine to determine the origin and propensity for kidney stones
• To estimate the likelihood of hyperuricemia. A condition brought on by the body's high uric acid levels that can cause kidney damage or even complete failure

What Does the Uric Acid Test Measure?

Uric acid is created when purines, nitrogen-containing substances in our DNA and other body cells, break down. You will see a number with units of mg/dL because the uric acid is measured in milligrams (mg), and the blood volume is measured in deciliters (dL). 

Purines are released into the blood when cells decay due to ageing and death. Numerous cancers with rapid cell turnover can generate a lot of uric acids (for example, chronic myeloid leukaemia). Purines may, to a lesser extent, be produced during the digestion of specific foods like anchovies, liver, mackerel, peas, dried beans and specific alcoholic beverages (primarily beer). 

Through urine and stool, kidneys remove most of the uric acid from the body, maintaining the uric acid's normal range. However, the body can produce too much uric acid, not eliminate it quickly enough, or a combination of the two.

Type of Sample Needed for the Uric Acid Test

Blood test

A medical professional will use a small needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm for a blood test. A tiny amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial after the needle has been inserted. The needle may sting slightly as it enters or exits your body. Usually, this only needs a few minutes.

Urine test

You must collect all of your urine over 24 hours to take a uric acid urine test. You will be given instructions by the doctors on how to gather and store your samples in addition to a special container to collect your urine. What time to start will be specified by your provider. 

You can book a general physician appointment to determine the type of uric acid test needed for you. 

Limitations of the Uric Acid Test

Although this test is carried out through a straightforward blood draw and carries no significant risks, it does have some restrictions that may affect the test's outcomes:

• Urine should be collected from the entire 24-hour period for a uric acid analysis. Results of urine tests conducted before or after the 24-hour window may slightly differ
• The blood uric acid test is not regarded as a conclusive gout test. Gout can only be definitively diagnosed by looking for monosodium urate in a person's joint fluid
• It may affect the results of the uric acid test and show a higher level of uric acid in the body if you eat foods high in purines, such as liver, anchovies, dried beans, beer and wine
• Bone marrow diseases are the most frequent variables that can affect the outcomes of the uric acid test normal range

It's not always a sign that you need medical attention if your blood or urine test results reveal high uric acid levels. Numerous people have high uric acid levels without experiencing any health issues.

A waste product called uric acid can harm joints and tissue if the body produces too much. A person may experience health issues if their uric acid levels are high or low for an extended period of time. Get a doctor consultation if you have any questions regarding your results. Maintaining your uric acid levels within a healthy range may be made possible by medications and dietary changes. Visit Bajaj Finserv Health for more information.