Foods Rich In Calcium: Your Guide to Stronger Bones & Healthier Living
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Blood Tests > Uric Acid Blood Test
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Uric acid tests are usually ordered to help diagnose gout. Gout affects about 2.5% of adults in the UK, which is approximately 1.5 million people.
These tests may monitor your risk for conditions like kidney stones, as well as other health problems by detecting the level of uric acid in your blood.
Uric acid is the metabolic end product, which is endogenously formed as a result of the breakdown of purines of the body. Purines are present in various foods and drinks, including red meat, sea foods, and alcoholic beverages. Due to its high blood solubility, uric acid usually gets excreted through the kidneys into the urine. Moreover, uric acid always remains in the body; but when its level increases, it may also cause health problems.
The ranges for normal blood uric acid levels may vary; hence, the range can vary from 3.5 to 7.2 mg/dL for men and 2.6 to 6 mg/dL for women.
Gout symptoms often prompt individuals to seek testing, especially if they experience sudden, severe joint pain, particularly in the big toe, as this can be a sign of gout.
Additionally, individuals with a history of kidney stones or those at risk for developing them should monitor their uric acid levels to help prevent recurrence.
It is also important for chemotherapy patients to be aware of their uric acid levels, as cancer treatments can lead to increased levels due to the breakdown of cancer cells.
Risk factors for a high uric acid level in the blood include:
Lifestyle/Diet: Too much intake of purine heavy foods, fructose-laden beverages, and alcohol can contribute to uric acid elevation.
Diseases: Comorbidities of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and renal disease can raise uric acid levels.
Medications: Include diuretics and chemo-therapeutic agents that may cause an increase in uric acid.
Genetics: A family medical history of gout or high levels of uric acid can predispose you to the condition. Dehydration: Inadequate intake of water may raise blood concentration of uric acid.
Age And Sex: Generally, men tend to have higher uric acid levels as compared to women, especially in older age. In females, this condition is seen more often after menopause due to changes in hormones.
Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.
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You will be seen by one of our friendly phlebotomists or trained clinicians.
You may be advised to avoid foods high in purines, such as red meat, shellfish, and certain types of fish, as well as alcohol, for 24 hours prior to the test, since these can impact uric acid levels. Be sure to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking, as some of these can also affect uric acid levels.
A healthcare professional will perform a blood draw. This process usually takes just a few minutes. After the blood is drawn, you may be asked to apply pressure to the site to prevent any bleeding. If you feel anxious about needles, please let the healthcare professional know. They can provide support and help you feel more comfortable throughout the procedure.
Please refrain from strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for the remainder of the day to avoid any discomfort at the blood draw site. You can typically expect to receive your results within a few days, depending on the lab. We will discuss the results with you as soon as they are available to ensure you understand their implications for your health and any necessary next steps, such as lifestyle modifications or further testing.
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