Uric Acid Test Overview Significance Test Range Preparation
In this fast-paced lifestyle, it is difficult for a person to maintain it in a healthy way. We are always in motion. Many people nowadays suffer from body pains. Prescription and over-the-counter medication can only provide immediate pain relief for all of them, whether they are from young generation suffers from long hours of sitting in one position or the elderly suffering from joint pain. However, the primary cause of the pain is always overlooked, and it can be caused by elevated uric acid levels.
What is Uric acid?
Uric acid is a chemical that is produced by the body when purines (an important class of nitrogen-containing compounds) are broken down.1 Purines are substances normally produced in the body and found in living cells and some foods and drinks (meat & meat products; organ meats like liver, seafood, and shellfish; mushrooms; dried peas; beans; alcoholic beverages etc.).2 Purine is converted into uric acid after metabolism. Consuming more purine-rich foods causes the body to produce more uric acid.3 Uric acid is eliminated through the urine and faeces. It may, however, accumulate in the blood as a result of overproduction or impaired excretion. As a result, instead of being excreted, the significant proportion of it would build up as uric acid crystals in the joints.2
Arthritis, also known as gout, is a condition characterized by inflamed joints caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals. Gout occurs when the body produces too much uric acid or does not remove enough of it.2,3 Uric acid can also bind to other substances (such as calcium) and form stones in the kidneys. Hence, high uric acid levels are the cause of kidney stones and kidney failure. 1,2,3
Significance of Uric Acid Test:
Uric acid testing determines the amount of Uric acid in urine or blood. Measuring uric acid levels can be useful if there is a health problem that can cause or is caused by high uric acid levels. Gout can be caused by this reason and hence a uric acid screening test may be required to determine the amount of uric acid in the blood. 2
The following conditions are typically diagnosed with a uric acid test:
- Diagnosis of Gout or Arthritis (Inflammation and swelling of the joints)
- To determine the cause of recurring kidney stones
- Uric acid levels in cancer patients are being monitored5
The following people require a regular Uric acid test:
- Elderly gout patients6
- People suffering from joint pain, discomfort, or swelling2,5
- Gout in the family
- People who consume excessive food rich in purine1
- Cancer patients undergoing therapy2,5
Test Range:
When a medical expert suspects that a patient has a high level of uric acid or, someone exhibits hyperuricemia symptoms such as swollen, warm, and painful joints, a uric acid blood test is advised. The uric acid blood test determines the amount of uric acid in the bloodstream. 1 Gender differences in uric acid levels exist.
The value ranges for an average adult's uric acid normal level are as follows7:
- Male: 3.4-7 mg/dl*
- Female: 2.4-5.7 mg/dl*
*Test done by uricase method
Preparation:
The procedure is similar to any other routine blood test in that the technician will draw blood from a vein in the arm into a vial. A health care professional will first clean and sanitise the area before drawing a sample of blood from an arm vein with a small syringe to determine whether the uric acid level in the blood is within the allowable range. When the needle is inserted to draw blood from the body, it feels like a minor prick. Fasting is sometimes required for medical tests. Medical experts may also recommend fasting for a uric acid test, in which case a sample is taken after overnight fasting.8
There are certain factors that can significantly alter the uric acid blood test results. Among these are:
- Diet
- Purine metabolism varies by individual
Specific prescription drugs or medicines that an individual is currently taking may have an impact on the outcome of the test. Thus, it is essential to notify the medical practitioner prior to testing. This will allow the medical practitioner to interpret test results more accurately, reducing the possibility of a medical error.
Ref:
[1] Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition; Chapter 165 - Uric Acid. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK273/
[2] Aihemaitijiang S., Zhang Y., Zhang L., Yang J., Ye C., Halimulati M., Zhang W and Zhang Z. The Association between Purine-Rich Food Intake and Hyperuricemia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chinese Adult Residents. Nutrients. 2020 Dec; 12(12): 3835. Published online 2020 Dec 15. doi: 10.3390/nu12123835 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7765492/
[3] Maiuolo J, Oppedisano F, Gratteri S, Muscoli C, Mollace V. Regulation of uric acid metabolism and excretion. International journal of cardiology. 2016; 213:8–14. Epub 2015/09/01. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.08.109 . [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
[4] Hosomi A., Nakanishi T., Fujita T., Tamai I. Extra-Renal Elimination of Uric Acid via Intestinal Efflux Transporter BCRP/ABCG2. Published: February 10, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0030456
[5] What is a Uric Acid Blood Test? Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors. Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on February 06, 2021 https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/uric-acid-blood-test
[6] Das M., Borah N.C., Ghose M., Choudhury N. Reference Ranges for Serum Uric Acid among Healthy Assamese People. Biochem Res Int. 2014; 2014: 171053. Published online 2014 Jan 9. doi: 10.1155/2014/171053 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942193/
[7] Sample Report of HbA1c from Genu Path Lab https://res.genupathlabs.com/genu_path_lab/live/customer_V2/sample_report/UricAcid.pdf
[8] Genu Path Lab Uric Test Details