Synonyms: UA; Uric A

NOTICE: This is a component of the Arthritis Panel which may be more appealing than ordering this test alone.

Why It Is Done

Help diagnose gout.
Check to see if kidney stones may be caused by high uric acid levels in the body.
Check to see if medicine that increases or decreases uric acid levels is working.
Check uric acid levels in people who are taking chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Test Overview:

The blood uric acid test measures the amount of uric acid in a blood sample. Uric acid is produced from the breakdown of your body's cells and from the food you eat.
Most of the uric acid is filtered out by the kidneys and passes out of the body in urine; the rest passes out of the body in stool. However, if too much uric acid is being produced or if the kidneys are not able to remove it from the blood normally, the level of uric acid in the blood increases.

How To Prepare:

At least 4-hour fast preferred