Uric Acid
Discover Uric Acid levels for gout risk and kidney function assessment. Track purine metabolism for joint health optimization.
What is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a waste product formed when your body breaks down purines, compounds found in certain foods and naturally produced by your cells. Most uric acid dissolves in blood and is filtered by the kidneys, but elevated levels can form crystals in joints and tissues.
Why is it Tested?
Doctors measure uric acid to diagnose and monitor gout, assess kidney function, evaluate kidney stone risk, and investigate joint pain or swelling. It’s also used to monitor treatment with uric acid-lowering medications.
Normal Ranges
Reference ranges vary by gender:
- Men: 4.0–8.5 mg/dL
- Women: 2.7–7.3 mg/dL
For gout prevention, many doctors target levels <6.0 mg/dL, with some recommending <5.0 mg/dL for severe cases.
Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
Low Uric Acid
Unusually low levels may indicate:
- Wilson’s disease
- Certain medications (allopurinol)
- Low-purine diet
- Kidney disorders
High Uric Acid (Hyperuricemia)
Elevated levels may suggest:
- Gout or increased gout risk
- Kidney stones
- Kidney disease
- Metabolic syndrome
- High-purine diet
- Certain cancers or chemotherapy
How to Track Over Time
Uric acid levels respond to dietary changes, medications, and kidney function. Tracking helps monitor gout treatment effectiveness and assess the need for preventive therapy. Consistent levels below target ranges reduce gout flare frequency and joint damage risk.
Track your Uric Acid results over time
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