The uric acid test is used to determine the level of uric acid in the body with a blood or urine sample. This test can be a tool for diagnosing dand monitor various disease, such as gout and kidney stones.
Uric acid is a waste product from the breakdown of substances called purines, which are filtered by the kidneys and excreted with urine. A uric acid test is generally recommended by doctors if you experience frequent joint pain or lower back pain, as well as if you have been diagnosed with gout or kidney stones.
Uric Acid Test Procedure
Based on the examination sample, in general there are two methods that can be used to measure uric acid levels in the body:
Blood sample
The doctor will ask you to fast (not eat and drink) about 4 hours before the uric acid test is done. Next, a blood sample will be taken from a vein, generally in the crease of the arm.
The blood draw procedure only lasts a few minutes, then you can go home. The blood sample will be examined in a laboratory, and the results can be taken within a few hours to 1-2 days.
In addition, there is also a uric acid test that can provide results in a short time and only uses a very practical wireless tool. This test is done by inserting a small needle into the tip of the finger, then dripping blood that comes out to the end of the examination tool. The test results will appear on the monitor within a few minutes.
Although practical and fast, this examination is only screening and not diagnostic. That is, the uric acid test in this way only gives an idea of how uric acid levels in the body. If the results improve, you are advised to make sure to return to the doctor at the hospital or laboratory.
Urine sample
This uric acid test is done using a urine sample. You will usually be given a container to collect your urine for 24 hours. Fill the container as follows:
- In the morning, immediately urinate (BAK) after waking up. This first urine does not need to be collected, but note what time you urinate.
- Next, collect all the urine you pass within 24 hours. Record the time of each urination and always put the urine collection container back in the refrigerator or ice box.
- After successfully collecting a urine sample for 24 hours, submit the container containing the urine to the laboratory for examination. You can get the results of the examination within a few days.
Reading Uric Acid Test Results
Normal uric acid levels in the blood are 2.5-7.5 mg/dL for women and 4-8.5 mg/dL for men. When measured from urine, normal adult uric acid levels are 250-750 mg per total urine for 24 hours.
The following are various health problems that you may experience, if your uric acid test results are abnormal:
High uric acid levels in the blood
High uric acid levels in the blood can indicate that you eat too many high-purine foods, have preeclampsia, or have kidney stones. In addition, people with cancer or people who are undergoing cancer treatment can also have high levels of uric acid in the blood.
High uric acid levels in urine
High uric acid test results in the urine can be caused by gout, excessive consumption of high-purine foods, obesity, or cancer, such as multiple myelomaand leukemia.
Low uric acid levels in the blood
Although low uric acid levels in the blood are not considered dangerous, that doesn't mean you can ignore them. This condition may be associated with liver and kidney disease, poisoning, or Wilson's disease
Low uric acid levels in urine
Low levels of uric acid in your urine can indicate you have kidney disease, drink too much alcohol, or have lead poisoning.
A uric acid test can serve as an early detection step for gout or kidney disease. However, to confirm the condition you are experiencing, the doctor will need to carry out further examinations, such as urinalysis and taking fluid from the joints.
If your uric acid test shows abnormal results, don't be afraid to consult a doctor again. That way, the doctor can carry out further tests to determine the cause and provide the treatment you need.