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What is the Uric Acid Test?
The Uric Acid Test, or the serum uric acid measurement, determines the quantity of uric acid present in the blood. This test assesses the body’s efficiency to produce and remove uric acid from the systemic circulation.
Uric acid is a chemical produced when the body breaks food constituting chemical compounds called purines. The important food and beverages containing purines are dried beans, anchovies, wine, beer, etc. Uric acid is predominantly dissolved in the blood, filtered through kidneys, and excreted through urine.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Uric Acid Test used for?
Doctors prescribe the Uric Acid Test for patients in case of the following situations:
- In case of joint pain or inflammation related to gout.
- Patients undergoing chemotherapy
- Frequent tendency of kidney stones
- In case of diagnosis with kidney disorders.
Uric Acid Testing is also recommended, along with urine testing within 24 hours to confirm the test and diagnosis of disease.
Understanding test results of Uric Acid Test
The higher level of uric acid results in the following conditions:
- Kidney disease
- Preeclampsia, i.e., very increased hypertension during pregnancy
- Alcoholism
- Side-effects as a result of cancer treatment
Lower levels of uric acids are uncommon and usually don’t require medical supervision.
Why do I need the Uric Acid Test?
The test enables the constant monitoring of the production and disposal of uric acid from the body. The general observation is that chemotherapy and radiation therapy negatively impact the body’s overall metabolism. It, in turn, may result in the development of hyperuricemia. Hence, a constant assessment of uric acid is essential, especially for cancer patients.
What happens during the Uric Acid Test?
A Uric Acid Test is usually a blood test or a urine test. It is an invasive procedure where the professional inserts a needle in the arm to collect the blood in the tube or vials.
The personnel then send the samples to the designated laboratories for further analysis and investigations. The result interpretation further suggests the next steps for the diagnosis and treatment.
What will happen in the case of high uric acid?
Untreated higher uric acid levels gradually lead to permanent bone damage, joint or tissue damages, and the rise of kidney disorders. According to studies, it is also evident that high uric acid is also associated with different metabolic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, etc.Â
Hence, the immediate treatment and management of high uric acid are essential.
What causes uric acid?
High uric levels result when the kidney cannot break down and eliminate uric acid efficiently. This factor gradually leads to kidney stones, cardiac diseases, diabetes, and hypertension.Â
Diuretics, hypothyroidism, obesity, genetics, and the consumption of immunosuppressants are other factors that may lead to higher uric acid levels. Besides, the intake of a high-purine diet is also responsible for higher uric acid levels.
What is the normal level of uric acid?
The uric acid level is dependent and varies according to the age and gender of individuals. The typical values are 1.5 to 6.0 mg/dl for women and 2.5 to 7.0 mg/dl in the case of men.Â
However, the values may vary according to the laboratory infrastructure and investigational methodologies. Higher uric acid levels are a matter of concern and demand immediate medical attention.
What is the colour of uric acid in urine?
The uric acid urine test is a differential test that measures the level of uric acid in urine. Also, uric acid crystalluria imparts a reddish-orange discolouration of urine. However, accurate colouration depends on several other factors like diet, drinks, and medication.
What drugs raise uric acid?
The prominent drug classes that reportedly increase uric acid levels are diuretics, nicotinic acid, Levodopa, low doses of aspirin and tacrolimus, etc. These drugs tend to interfere with the normal regulation and metabolism of the body. This slows the absorption of uric acid and gradually results in the rise in uric acid value respectively.
References:
- P; S. I. K. J. S. (n.d.). The importance of uric acid examination. Sbornik lekarsky. Retrieved January 22, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8867710/
- Barr, W. G. (1990, January 1). Uric acid. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Retrieved January 22, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK273/
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