What is this test?
Uric acid is the breakdown product of purines, which are found in certain foods and in the body's cells. When elevated, it can form crystals in the joints, causing gout, or stones in the kidneys.
When is it requested?
Gouty arthritis, treatment monitoring
What does a high Uric Acid result mean?
High uric acid occurs when the body makes too much or the kidneys excrete too little; a high level does not by itself mean gout.
- Red meat, organ meats, seafood and alcohol (especially beer)
- Fructose-sweetened drinks and sugary foods
- Excess weight, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
- Dehydration, crash diets or intense exercise
- Certain medicines (e.g., diuretics, low-dose aspirin)
- Reduced kidney function
- Gout, or blood disorders with increased cell breakdown
What does a low Uric Acid result mean?
Low uric acid is uncommon and usually of little clinical importance; it is mostly related to diet, pregnancy or certain medicines.
- Low-purine diet
- Pregnancy
- Uric acid-lowering drugs or side effects of some medicines
- Increased loss through the kidneys (rare kidney tubule disorders)
- Advanced liver disease or rare inherited metabolic disorders
My result is outside the reference range. What should I do?
A high result should be reviewed by your doctor along with joint symptoms, any history of kidney stones and other tests. Avoiding heavy meat meals and alcohol the day before makes the result more reliable.
Reference ranges depend on the method, age and sex; always use the range printed on your report. This information is for general guidance only; consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Sample information
- Sample type: Serum
- Tube / container: Yellow-top tube
- Sample volume: 1 mL
Preparation
Fasting sample recommended.
Testing and results
- Method: Spec
- Run schedule: Daily
- Turnaround time: 3 hours
Price and appointment
Add the test to your list to receive a price quote by e-mail, or call +90 850 640 07 30 / message us on WhatsApp (+90 537 301 22 14). You can have the test done at our branches or with our home blood collection service. Results can be viewed online with your Turkish ID number (or passport number for foreign nationals).