What is Uric Acid Serum Test?

The waste product known as uric acid is created when the body breaks down purines and is in the blood. Purines are compounds that are naturally present in the body and some meals and beverages. When the breakdown of purines produces uric acid, the kidneys filter it through urine.

However, if the body either creates too much uric acid or does not eliminate enough of it, it can build up in the blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia. This may develop needle-like, sharp crystals that irritate, inflame, and expand surrounding tissue or a joint.

• Serum uric acid test: The amount of uric acid in the blood is determined using a serum uric acid test. It is used to diagnose gout or kidney stones and to monitor certain medical conditions.

• High uric acid levels: Elevated blood levels of uric acid can result in the crystallization that causes gout, an inflammatory arthritis. Elevated uric acid levels can also cause kidney stones.

• Low uric acid levels: Low uric acid levels in the blood are less common and can be associated with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or exposure to toxic substances.

• Treatment: Treatment for high uric acid levels usually involves medication to help the body eliminate uric acid, dietary changes to reduce the intake of purines, and lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and drinking plenty of water.

Uric Acid Serum is usually required in the following situations:

• When a person is suspected of having gout, a type of arthritis, the amount of uric acid in the blood often determines the diagnosis of the illness, which is brought on by an excess of uric acid in the body.

• When a person has recurrent kidney stones, uric acid can lead to the formation of certain types of kidney stones. Testing for uric acid in the serum can help determine if this is the cause and guide treatment options.

• When a person is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, these treatments can cause rapid cell turnover, increasing uric acid levels in the blood. Monitoring uric acid levels can help prevent complications from these treatments.

• The test can assess therapy efficacy and advise dosage modifications when a patient is receiving treatment for gout or other illnesses that result in elevated blood levels of uric acid.

The Uric Acid Serum test is typically required for the following individuals:

• People with gout symptoms, such as severe joint discomfort, edema, redness, and heat, particularly in the big toe.

• People who have recurrent kidney stones. This test can help determine if high blood uric acid levels cause the stones.

• Those receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy for cancer. This test might assist in checking for any potential issues from elevated blood uric acid levels.

• People receiving treatment for diseases such as lymphoma, leukemia, or gout can experience elevated blood levels of uric acid. This test can be used to track how well the treatment is working.

In a Uric Acid Serum test, the blood's level of uric acid is measured:

The breakdown of purines, present in various foods and beverages such as liver, anchovies, mackerel, dry beans and peas, beer, and wine, results in the waste product uric acid. Most uric acid dissolves in blood, makes its way to the kidneys, and is then excreted in urine. Suppose the body produces too much uric acid or doesn't eliminate enough of it. In that case, it can build up in the blood (hyperuricemia), causing crystals to form and settle in the joints, leading to gout.

• The methodology of Uric Acid Serum involves a biochemical analysis of blood serum, explicitly looking for the concentration of uric acid.

• Uric acid is a waste product that the body creates when it breaks down purines, chemicals present in some diets and that the body produces.

• Uric acid typically dissolves in the blood, travels through the kidneys, and is excreted in the urine. However, uric acid can accumulate and form needle-like crystals if the body does not eliminate enough of it or creates too much of it.

• The test is often ordered to help diagnose gout, arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints. It may also be used to monitor patients with a history of kidney stones since certain forms of stones can become more likely to develop if uric acid levels are high.

• Enzymatic methods, such as the uricase and phosphotungstic acid methods, are common in laboratories for determining uric acid.

• No special preparation is generally required for a uric acid serum test. However, depending on the specific lab or hospital, you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for a certain time before the test.

• Some medications can affect uric acid levels in the blood. Therefore, it's important to tell your doctor about any vitamins, supplements, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs you use.

• Alcohol and a diet high in purines (found in red meat, organ meats, and certain types of fish) can also increase uric acid levels, so you may be advised to avoid these before the test.

• Finally, since dehydration can cause uric acid to accumulate in the body, be sure to drink plenty of fluids before the test.

• The uric acid serum test is a simple blood test. A healthcare provider will clean a small area of your arm with an antiseptic and insert a needle into a vein.

• A small amount of blood will be drawn into a tube, which will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

• The needle prick may cause a slight sting or discomfort, but this is typically minimal and short-lived.

• After the blood draw, pressure will be applied to the site to stop bleeding, and a bandage will be applied.

• The process usually takes less than five minutes, and you can typically resume your normal activities immediately after the test.

The body produces uric acid as a waste product during its breakdown purines, which are chemicals that are present in the body and in some diets. Urine is the body's method of eliminating uric acid after being filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. The amount of uric acid present in your blood serum is measured in terms of milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

• For men, the normal range is 3.4 to 7.0 mg/dL.

• For women, the normal range is 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL.

An abnormally high or low uric acid level can indicate several conditions.

• High levels of uric acid (Hyperuricemia) can be due to excess production or insufficient excretion of uric acid. This can be due to hereditary factors, a diet rich in purines, excessive alcohol intake, obesity, an underactive thyroid, diabetes, certain cancer treatments, and the use of diuretics and aspirin.

• Low levels of uric acid (Hypouricemia) are less common and can result from a diet low in purines, exposure to lead, and hereditary disorders that affect purine metabolism. Certain medications like allopurinol and probenecid can also lower uric acid levels.

Here are some ways to maintain normal uric acid levels:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps your kidneys flush out uric acid more effectively.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can increase the risk of hyperuricemia and gout.

• Limited intake of alcohol and sugary drinks: These can increase uric acid levels.

• Limit intake of purine-rich foods: High-purine foods include red meat, organ meats, and seafood such as anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout, and tuna.

• Include low-fat dairy in your diet: Low-fat dairy products have been demonstrated in studies to help lower uric acid levels.

If your uric acid levels are high, these are some precautions and aftercare tips:

• Follow your doctor's advice: If you've been prescribed medication, take it as directed.

• Monitor your symptoms: If you have gout, be aware of the symptoms of a gout attack and seek medical help if needed.

• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can lower your risk of developing gout and help you maintain a healthy weight.

• Follow a balanced diet: Avoid high-purine foods and include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products in your diet.

• Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol can trigger a gout attack and increase uric acid levels.

There are numerous reasons why you should consider booking with Bajaj Finserv Health. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Precision: Bajaj Finserv Health works exclusively with labs that utilize cutting-edge technologies to ensure the highest level of accuracy in results.

• Cost-effectiveness: Our diagnostic tests and services are extensive, yet they are designed in a way that they do not put a strain on your pocket.

• Home sample collection: We provide the comfort of collecting your samples from your home at a time that suits you best.

• Country-wide availability: Our medical test services are accessible to people anywhere in India.

• Convenient payments: You have the flexibility to choose from various payment options, be it cash or digital.