Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down substances called purines. While uric acid should exit through urine, it can sometimes build up in the blood and pass into the kidneys. This can occur due to complications such as insufficient renal function.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, there are several ways you can reduce uric acid in the kidney, including:
- drinking enough water, especially at night
- maintaining a moderate weight
- managing blood pressure
- avoiding or limiting high purine foods, such as organ meats, anchovies, and shellfish
- taking medications such as allopurinol and probenecid
A uric acid blood test, also referred to as a serum uric acid measurement, can help identify the level of uric acid in your blood. It can also help diagnose kidney disorders and gout.
A uric acid blood test involves the following:
- A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into your vein, typically from your arm.
- They will then collect a small amount of blood into a vial.
- They will remove the needle and clean the entry site.
- They may use a bandage if there’s still some bleeding.
The test typically takes around 5 minutes to complete. After that, the blood goes to a laboratory for examination.
The results of a uric acid blood test will highlight a numerical value that indicates the level of uric acid present in the body. A normal uric acid level range can often vary between different labs.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, a healthy level can also differ based on sex. For men, a high level is anything above 7 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), and for women, it’s anything over 6 mg/dL. For both sexes, low uric acid is anything less than 2 mg/dL.