Laboratory test
Uric acid
Other names and abbreviations: urany
A product of purine metabolism. A high level favours gout and kidney stones.
Uric acid rises with a diet rich in meat and offal, alcohol (especially beer), sugary drinks, as well as with some medicines and kidney diseases.
Typical ranges in adults
| Parameter | Typical range | What a deviation may mean |
|---|---|---|
| Uric acid | W: 2.4–6.0 · M: 3.4–7.0 mg/dl | high: risk of gout and stones |
The ranges are approximate and differ between laboratories; they also depend on age, sex and pregnancy. A result outside the range doesn't always mean illness – discuss it with a doctor.
When it is done
With joint pain and swelling (especially the big toe), kidney stones, hypertension.
How to prepare
Fasting: 8–12 hours without food; you can drink water. Blood is best taken in the morning, after a calm evening without alcohol or intense exercise.
