Uric Acid (Fluid)

Specimen Required

FLUID (All Body Fluid)

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

A uric acid test may be done to: 1) Help diagnose conditions associated with high levels of uric acid in the body, such as gout, kidney stones, or kidney disease. 2) Monitor uric acid levels in people with gout or kidney disease. 3) Check uric acid levels before chemotherapy treatment or before and during radiation treatment for certain types of cancer. 4) Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for conditions associated with high uric acid levels.

When this test is required

A uric acid test may be requested when someone has symptoms of gout or kidney stones, such as severe pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints, particularly in the big toe, or when a healthcare practitioner suspects that someone has an elevated level of uric acid due to a medical condition such as kidney disease. It may also be ordered periodically to monitor treatment efficacy in people with gout or kidney disease.

What the Test Detects

A uric acid test measures the amount of uric acid in the body fluid. Uric acid is a waste product produced by the breakdown of purines, which are substances found in many foods and in the body’s tissues. Uric acid is normally removed from the body by the kidneys and eliminated in urine, but if the kidneys are not functioning properly, uric acid can accumulate in the body, leading to high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia).

Preparation for the Test

No special test preparation is needed for uric acid testing in fluid samples. If you are having a blood or urine uric acid test, your healthcare provider may ask you to fast (not eat or drink anything but water) for several hours before the test.

Sample Requirements

A sample of fluid from the joint or other body fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid or amniotic fluid may be collected for testing. Blood or urine samples may also be collected for uric acid testing.

Additional Notes

The levels of uric acid in the body can be affected by many factors, including diet, certain medications, alcohol consumption, and underlying medical conditions. Your healthcare provider will interpret your test results in the context of your overall health and medical history.

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