Uric acid blood test

Overview

A uric acid blood test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a natural waste product created when your body breaks down substances called purines, which are found in many foods and drinks. High levels of uric acid can build up in your joints or kidneys and cause problems like gout or kidney stones.

Yes, this test is commonly ordered, especially for people with symptoms of gout or those who are being treated for high uric acid levels.

Anyone can need this test, but it is more often done for men, older adults, and people with conditions like kidney disease, obesity, or a diet high in purines.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Many people with high uric acid have no symptoms at all.
• When symptoms occur, the most common is a sudden, intense joint pain (often in the big toe) with swelling, redness, and warmth — this is called a gout flare.
• Pain that comes and goes, especially at night.

Symptoms in children

• High uric acid in children is rare, and symptoms may include joint pain or swelling, often in the knees or ankles.
• Some genetic conditions can cause high uric acid in children, leading to kidney stones or gout-like symptoms.

Symptoms in older adults

• Symptoms are similar to adults but may affect multiple joints, including hands and wrists.
• Gout flares can be less intense but more frequent, and kidney stones are a risk.

Causes

Main causes

• Your body makes too much uric acid naturally.
• Your kidneys do not get rid of enough uric acid in your urine.

Risk factors

• Eating a diet rich in purines: red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and some fish.
• Drinking too much alcohol, especially beer.
• Being overweight or having obesity.
• Having high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease.
• Taking certain medicines, such as diuretics (water pills) or low-dose aspirin.
• Family history of gout or kidney stones.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden, severe pain in a joint, especially if the joint is hot, red, and swollen.
• Pain in your lower back or side that is constant and severe, possibly with nausea or vomiting.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have had repeated gout flares or kidney stones.
• If you are taking medication to lower uric acid and need regular monitoring.
• If you have a family history of high uric acid or gout.

Diagnosis

A uric acid blood test is done by drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. Your doctor may also order a 24-hour urine collection to measure how much uric acid your kidneys are excreting.

Tests that may be done

• Uric acid blood test.
• Urine test for uric acid (24-hour collection).

What to expect at your appointment

The blood test is quick and feels like a small pinch. You may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the test. Results usually take a day or two. Your doctor will discuss what your levels mean and what steps to take next.

Treatment

Treatment for high uric acid focuses on lowering the level to prevent gout flares and kidney stones. This often involves lifestyle changes and, if needed, long-term medication. Acute flares are treated with anti-inflammatory medicines to control pain and swelling. Your doctor will create a plan that is right for you.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water every day (aim for 8–10 glasses) to help your kidneys flush out uric acid.
• Limit foods high in purines, such as red meat, shellfish, and organ meats.
• Reduce alcohol intake, especially beer and spirits.
• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular activity.

Medical treatments

There are medicines that lower uric acid production in the body and others that help your kidneys remove more uric acid. Your doctor may prescribe one of these depending on your situation. For acute gout flares, anti-inflammatory medicines (like NSAIDs or colchicine) are commonly used. Always take medicines exactly as prescribed and talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for high uric acid. In some cases, large tophi (uric acid crystal deposits under the skin) may be removed surgically, or kidney stones that do not pass may need a procedure to break them up.

Living with this condition

Living with high uric acid means being aware of your symptoms and sticking to your treatment plan. Keep a water bottle handy, note any joint pain triggers, and take your medicines as prescribed.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay hydrated — water is your best friend.
• Avoid foods and drinks that you know trigger your flares.
• Get regular, moderate exercise like walking or swimming.
• Manage stress, as it can sometimes trigger a gout flare.

Diet and exercise

A balanced, low-purine diet can help. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Limit red meat and sugary drinks. Regular exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight and can lower uric acid levels. Start slowly and listen to your body, especially if you have joint pain.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a chronic condition like gout or recurring kidney stones can be frustrating and sometimes feel discouraging. It is normal to feel down or worried about future flares. Talking to family, friends, or a counsellor can help. Remember that with the right care, most people manage very well.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent high uric acid, especially if it runs in your family. But you can reduce your risk by eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, limiting alcohol, and staying active. If you already have high levels, lifestyle changes can help keep them in a healthier range.

Screening programmes

Routine screening for high uric acid is not recommended for everyone. Your doctor may check it if you have symptoms of gout or kidney stones, or if you have certain risk factors like kidney disease or a family history.

Complications

If left untreated

• Repeated gout flares that can damage joints over time.
• Formation of tophi — uric acid crystal lumps under the skin that can be painful and cause joint deformity.
• Kidney stones, which can cause pain, infection, or even kidney damage if they block urine flow.
• Chronic kidney disease from long-term high uric acid levels.

Long-term outlook

With proper management, most people with high uric acid live full, active lives without major complications. Treatment and lifestyle changes are very effective at preventing flares and protecting your joints and kidneys. The key is to work with your doctor and stick to your plan.

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