Uric Acid
Uric acid, also known as urate, is a waste product formed from the natural breakdown of purines—substances found in certain foods and produced by the body's cells. Typically, uric acid dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidneys, and is excreted in urine. However, elevated uric acid levels can lead to health issues such as gout or kidney stones.
Test details
Sample type
Blood
Time of day
No specific time required
Fasting required
No
Results timeframe
Within 7 days
Preparation
No special preparation required
What's measured in this test
Urate
Checks uric acid, linked to gout and kidney stones.
Common reasons for testing
- Diagnosing gout – Assists in confirming gout, a type of arthritis caused by urate crystal accumulation in joints.
- Evaluating kidney function – Helps detect kidney disorders that affect uric acid elimination.
- Monitoring chemotherapy or radiation therapy – Tracks uric acid levels during cancer treatments, as rapid cell turnover can increase uric acid production.
- Investigating recurrent kidney stones – Identifies high uric acid levels that may contribute to stone formation