Uric Acid - Serum – BC194
🦴 Gout & Kidney Health
₹149
MRP ₹300
Sample Time: 5:30 PM
Report: Same Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC194
Report: Same Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC194
About this Test:
The Serum Uric Acid test measures the level of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a natural waste product created when the body breaks down substances called purines, which are found in many foods and are also formed by the body's cells. Most uric acid is filtered out by the kidneys and passed out in the urine.
✔ Primary blood test to diagnose and monitor Gout.
✔ Helps assess the risk of developing certain types of kidney stones.
✔ An important component of Kidney Function Test (KFT) and metabolic panels.
✔ Generally, fasting is recommended for this test.
The Serum Uric Acid test measures the level of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a natural waste product created when the body breaks down substances called purines, which are found in many foods and are also formed by the body's cells. Most uric acid is filtered out by the kidneys and passed out in the urine.
✔ Primary blood test to diagnose and monitor Gout.
✔ Helps assess the risk of developing certain types of kidney stones.
✔ An important component of Kidney Function Test (KFT) and metabolic panels.
✔ Generally, fasting is recommended for this test.
Uric Acid: The Link Between Diet, Gout, and Kidney Health
Uric acid is a normal byproduct of purine metabolism. Purines are natural substances vital for our DNA and cellular energy. When cells die and are recycled, or when we eat purine-rich foods, these purines are broken down into uric acid. The body maintains a delicate balance, producing and clearing uric acid to keep levels in a healthy range. Problems arise when this balance is disrupted.
Hyperuricemia: When Uric Acid Levels Are Too High
The most common reason for testing uric acid is to investigate Hyperuricemia, the medical term for high levels of uric acid in the blood. This can happen for two main reasons:
- Overproduction: The body is producing too much uric acid, often due to a diet high in purine-rich foods, obesity, or certain genetic factors.
- Under-excretion: The kidneys are not able to filter out and remove enough uric acid from the blood, which is a more common cause.
When uric acid levels in the blood become too high, it can crystallize. These needle-like urate crystals can deposit in various parts of the body, leading to two main health problems:
- Gout: This is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis. Urate crystals accumulate in a joint (classically the big toe), causing sudden and severe episodes of pain, redness, tenderness, and swelling, known as a gout attack.
- Kidney Stones: Uric acid can form stones in the kidneys, which can cause intense pain and block the urinary tract. Chronically high uric acid can also contribute to kidney damage over time.
Who Should Get Tested?
Your doctor may recommend a serum uric acid test if you have:
- Symptoms of gout, such as painful, swollen joints.
- A history of kidney stones.
- As part of a routine Kidney Function Test (KFT) panel.
- Are undergoing certain cancer treatments like chemotherapy, which can cause rapid cell breakdown and a spike in uric acid levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Gout?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). This leads to the formation of sharp urate crystals in a joint, causing sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness, most often in the big toe.
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). This leads to the formation of sharp urate crystals in a joint, causing sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness, most often in the big toe.
Q2: Do I need to fast for a Serum Uric Acid test?
Yes, fasting for 8-12 hours is generally recommended. Since the food you eat can affect uric acid levels, fasting ensures a more accurate baseline reading. You should only drink water during the fasting period.
Yes, fasting for 8-12 hours is generally recommended. Since the food you eat can affect uric acid levels, fasting ensures a more accurate baseline reading. You should only drink water during the fasting period.
Q3: What does a high uric acid level mean?
A high level, called hyperuricemia, means you are at an increased risk for developing gout or kidney stones. It can be caused by your diet, certain medications, underlying kidney issues, or genetic factors. Your doctor will interpret the result to determine the cause and recommend a course of action.
A high level, called hyperuricemia, means you are at an increased risk for developing gout or kidney stones. It can be caused by your diet, certain medications, underlying kidney issues, or genetic factors. Your doctor will interpret the result to determine the cause and recommend a course of action.
Q4: What foods are high in purines and can raise uric acid?
Foods high in purines include red meat (like mutton), organ meats (liver, kidney), certain seafood (sardines, anchovies, shellfish), and alcoholic beverages, especially beer.
Foods high in purines include red meat (like mutton), organ meats (liver, kidney), certain seafood (sardines, anchovies, shellfish), and alcoholic beverages, especially beer.
Q5: Can this test be done on a urine sample?
Yes, uric acid can also be measured in a urine sample (either random or 24-hour) to help determine if high blood levels are due to overproduction of uric acid or under-excretion by the kidneys. The serum (blood) test is the most common initial test.
Yes, uric acid can also be measured in a urine sample (either random or 24-hour) to help determine if high blood levels are due to overproduction of uric acid or under-excretion by the kidneys. The serum (blood) test is the most common initial test.