

Do you suffer from sudden joint pain? Have a family history of gout or kidney stones?If so, high uric acid levels in your blood might be the hidden cause!The uric acid test is a simple blood test, yet it provides crucial information about your metabolic health and kidney function.
In this article from Dalili Medical, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the uric acid test:
What is it?
When is it recommended?
What do the results mean?
And how can you safely manage high uric acid levels?
Uric acid is a natural waste product formed when the body breaks down a substance called purines, found in foods such as red meat, seafood, and sugary drinks. Normally, uric acid is filtered by the kidneys and eliminated through urine.
However, if:
The body produces too much uric acid, or
The kidneys can’t eliminate it efficiently,
Then uric acid starts to accumulate in the blood, increasing the risk of:
Gout (a painful type of arthritis)
Kidney stones
Joint and tissue inflammation
Your doctor may order a uric acid test if you have:
Suspected gout (sudden, sharp pain in joints—especially the big toe)
History of kidney stones or unexplained lower back pain
Evaluation of kidney function
Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation (which can raise uric acid levels)
Symptoms like joint swelling, redness, or nighttime joint pain
The test is usually done through a simple blood sample taken from a vein.
Fasting is not always required, but your doctor may recommend fasting for 4–8 hours in some cases.
There is also a 24-hour urine test to measure how well your kidneys excrete uric acid.
Group | Normal Range (mg/dL) |
---|---|
Men | 3.4 – 7.0 |
Women | 2.4 – 6.0 |
Children | 2.0 – 5.5 |
⚠️ Note: Ranges may vary slightly depending on the lab. Always consult your doctor for interpretation within context.
May indicate:
Gout
Chronic kidney disease
High intake of red meat or alcohol
Chemotherapy side effects
Obesity or high blood pressure
Use of certain medications (like diuretics or aspirin)
Though rare, may signal:
Chronic liver disease
Severe malnutrition
Certain types of cancer
Genetic metabolic disorders
If your results show elevated levels, try these lifestyle changes:
Cut down on red meat and seafood
Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol
Eat more fruits and vegetables (but limit high-fructose ones)
Drinking plenty of water helps flush uric acid and reduces kidney stone risk
Obesity is closely linked to high uric acid levels
Chronic stress increases body inflammation and can affect uric acid levels
In some cases, doctors prescribe medications like Allopurinol or Febuxostat to control uric acid
Can uric acid be high without symptoms?
✅ Yes. It can remain elevated for years without causing noticeable symptoms and may only be detected through testing.
Does high uric acid always mean gout?
❌ No. Not everyone with high levels develops gout, but they are at higher risk.
What’s the difference between blood and urine uric acid tests?
Blood test: Used to detect high uric acid and assess risk for gout or kidney problems.
Urine test: Helps check if your kidneys are effectively removing uric acid.
How often should the test be repeated?
It depends. Patients on medication or at risk for gout/kidney stones may need testing every 3–6 months.
The uric acid test is a valuable tool for detecting conditions like gout and kidney stones. It also reflects aspects of your metabolic and kidney health.
Even if you're symptom-free, don’t ignore high uric acid levels—early action makes a big difference. Simple lifestyle changes and regular checkups can keep you healthy and pain-free.
If you experience unusual joint pain, have a family history of gout or kidney stones, or are concerned about your diet—ask your doctor for a uric acid test. It’s a simple blood test that could save you from serious complications down the line.