Uric Acid

A healthcare provider may order this test when a person has symptoms of arthritis or gout. He or she may also order this test when a person has kidney disease.

In order to measure the amount of uric acid in the blood, a blood sample is taken from a vein on the forearm or hand. First, the skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a rubber tube called a tourniquet is tied around the upper arm. This enlarges the veins in the lower arm by restricting blood flow through them. A fine needle is gently inserted into a vein, and the tourniquet is removed. Blood flows from the vein through the needle and is collected in a syringe or vial for testing in the laboratory. After the needle is withdrawn, the puncture site is covered for a short time to prevent bleeding.

Normally, no preparation is required for this test.

The normal amount of uric acid in the blood or serum depends on the person's gender. Males can have levels of 3.5 to 7.2 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), but females should only have 2.6 to 6.0 mg/dL.

Conditions that can be linked with high levels of uric acid in the blood include:

• Kidney disease
• Gout
• Lead poisoning
• Obesity
• Drinking alcohol

Certain medicines, such as diuretics and cyclosporine, can also be linked to high levels of uric acid in the blood.