Normal uric acid range:

·         Adult Female: 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL

·         Adult Male: 3.4 to 7.0 mg/dL

·         Children: 2.0 to 5.5 mg/dL

Higher than normal levels of uric acid in the blood is called Hyperuricemia and may be caused due to kidney diseases, gout, chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment.

Uric acid is a nitrogenous compound produced by the metabolic breakdown of purine. Purines are nitrogenous bases in DNA forming parts of the structural framework of the cells. Breakdown of purines occurs when cells become old and die, forming uric acid. Uric acid is also formed from the metabolic breakdown of some types of food like red meat, seafood, beans, etc.

Most of the uric acid in the blood is filtered and eliminated by the kidneys and a small remaining amount in the stool. The concentration of uric acid in the blood can increase due to overproduction of uric acid or improper elimination of uric acid, and this condition is called Hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia can also be caused due to cancer treatment by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. These treatment methods kill the cancer cells, which may leak the uric acid into the blood.

Excess uric acid can form crystals in the synovial fluid between the joints causing inflammation and pain. This condition is called gout and can severely damage the joints if left untreated. Blood Uric Acid Test can indicate the presence of gout, or risk of formation of gout. However, it is not a definitive test for gout. Confirmatory test for gout is performed by analysis of synovial fluid (joint fluid) for monosodium urate crystals. Chronic Hyperuricemia can cause the formation of tophi, which are hard lumpy deposits of uric acid crystals formed under the skin, in the joints, and at the top of the ears. Tophi cause severe damage to the joints and may compress nerves causing chronic pain and disfigurement. The excess uric acid may also deposit and crystallize in the kidneys causing kidney stones and acute renal failure.

This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle attached is used to withdraw blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm generally from the inner side of the elbow area. The doctor, nurse or the phlebotomist will tie an elastic band around your arm which will help the blood vessels to swell with blood and hence makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You may feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample once collected is then sent to the laboratory.

There is no risk associated with the test. However, as this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, rarely, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma (blood collection under the skin) formation, bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Hyperuricemia refers to a condition where the blood uric acid level is above the normal range. This condition may be caused due to an overproduction of uric acid or improper elimination of it from blood.

Symptoms of Hyperuricemia include: Gout which causes inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain at the joints Kidney stones which cause pain in the lower back, abdomen, or sides, difficulty and pain during urination, blood in urine, etc. Urinary tract infections Renal failure

Risk factors for Hyperuricemia include: Kidney diseases Hypothyroidism or reduced secretion of hormones of thyroid gland Hypertension or high blood pressure Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar Extreme physical activity Chronic exposure to lead Pesticide poisoning Obesity Alcoholism Certain medications

Gout or gouty arthritis is a medical condition which causes painful swelling and inflammation of the joints, most commonly of the joints of toes and lower limbs. It is caused due to excess uric acid in blood, leading to the deposition of monosodium urate crystals (uric acid crystals) in the synovial fluid of the joints.nPseudogout is a condition which shows symptoms similar to gout, namely painful inflammation and swelling at the joints. Pseudogout most commonly affects the knee joints, but may also affect the ankles, elbows, and wrists. It is caused due to formation and deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints. Deposition of these crystals can occur due to hypercalcemia, hypothyroidism, magnesium deficiency, high iron concentration in blood, and aging.

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal uric acid test result are: Synovial Fluid Analysis Urine Analysis Kidney Function Test