Uric Acid is a blood test that measures uric acid levels in the blood. Normal range: Uric acid is typically around 200-430 μmol/L in men and 140-360 μmol/L in women. The risk of gout and urate crystal formation rises as levels climb, but many people with high uric acid never develop gout, so the result is interpreted alongside symptoms.. It is commonly used to elevated levels can indicate gout risk, while also serving as a marker for metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress..
What is Uric Acid?
A waste product from the breakdown of purines.
Why is it measured?
Elevated levels can indicate gout risk, while also serving as a marker for metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress.
Normal Reference Range
Uric acid is typically around 200-430 μmol/L in men and 140-360 μmol/L in women. The risk of gout and urate crystal formation rises as levels climb, but many people with high uric acid never develop gout, so the result is interpreted alongside symptoms.
Note: Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
What Causes High URIC?
High uric acid (hyperuricaemia) is the underlying cause of gout, where urate crystals trigger painful joint inflammation. It is driven by a diet rich in purines (red meat, organ meats, shellfish), alcohol — especially beer — and high-fructose drinks, as well as by reduced excretion in kidney impairment, diuretic medications, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Massive cell turnover (tumour lysis, psoriasis) also raises it. Note that levels can be deceptively normal during an acute gout attack.
What Causes Low URIC?
Low uric acid is uncommon and usually harmless. It can result from a very low-purine diet, certain medications (including urate-lowering drugs taken in excess and some used for other conditions), SIADH, and rare inherited conditions affecting urate handling.
How Often Should URIC Be Tested?
Uric acid is measured when gout or kidney stones are suspected and to monitor urate-lowering therapy (such as allopurinol), where a target below ~360 μmol/L — or lower with tophi — is aimed for. Testing during an acute attack can mislead, so it is often rechecked once settled.
Related Blood Markers
Uric acid is interpreted with kidney function (creatinine and eGFR, which affect excretion) and with the markers of metabolic syndrome — glucose, HbA1c and the lipid panel — with which high urate frequently clusters.
Key Facts
- •Category: Vital Organ Functions
- •Unit of Measurement: μmol/L
- •Test Code: URIC_ACID
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