Uric Acid Test Price in Pakistan - Chughtai Lab

What is the serum uric acid test?

A uric acid blood test is performed to check the level of uric acid in your blood. This is also known as a serum uric acid test or serum urate (UA) test. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines - nitrogen-containing compounds found in certain foods, drinks, and in the normal turnover of cells.

There are two main types of uric acid tests: the blood uric acid test and the urine uric acid test. For the blood test, a healthcare professional collects a blood sample from a vein in your arm. For the urine uric acid test, you collect your urine sample over a 24-hour period. This page focuses on the serum (blood) uric acid test, which is the most commonly requested.

Uric acid test names - what is this test called?

The uric acid test is searched and written under many different names and abbreviations. All of the following refer to the same blood test:

If your doctor has written "S. Uric Acid," "Serum Urate," "SUA," or any similar variation, you need the same Serum Uric Acid test at Chughtai Lab priced at Rs. 800.

Purpose of the serum uric acid test

To detect high levels of uric acid, which could be a sign of the condition gout, or to monitor uric acid levels when undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy; to detect high levels of uric acid in the urine in order to diagnose the cause of kidney stones and to monitor those with gout who are at risk of developing such stones. Uric Acid is also measured as part of the assessment of pre-eclampsia.

When is this serum uric acid test required?

Uric acid is requested when a doctor suspects high levels of uric acid in blood. Some patients with high levels of uric acid have a disease called gout, a disorder that affects purine breakdown which can run in families. Patients with gout suffer from joint pain, most often in their toes but in other joints as well. The test may also be requested if a patient appears to have kidneys that are not working properly.

The test is also used as a monitoring tool when a patient has undergone chemotherapy or radiotherapy, to find out whether uric acid levels are getting dangerously high. Monitoring can also be done when a patient is found to have gout or renal failure. Since high uric acid is closely linked to kidney function, doctors often order a Renal Function Test (RFT) alongside uric acid to assess how well the kidneys are working. Patients who have high uric acid levels are sometimes put on drugs to help lower uric acid levels. Urine uric acid may be requested when a person suffers from recurrent kidney stones or has gout and needs to be monitored for formation of these stones.

What the serum uric acid test detects

Uric acid is produced by the breakdown of purines, which are nitrogen-containing compounds found in the body in substances such as nucleic acids (DNA, RNA). They enter the circulation from digestion of certain foods, drinks (alcoholic beverages like beer and wine) or from normal breakdown and turnover of cells in the body. Most uric acid is removed by the kidneys and disposed of in the urine; the remainder is excreted in the stools.

If too much uric acid is produced or not enough is excreted, it can accumulate in the body and cause increased levels in the blood (hyperuricemia). The presence of excess uric acid can cause the condition called gout - an inflammation that occurs in joints when crystals derived from uric acid form in the joint fluid. Excess uric acid can also lead to kidney disease, as a result of deposition in the kidneys or kidney stone formation.

The accumulation of too much uric acid is due to either increased production, decreased elimination or a combination of both. Increased production can be caused by, for example, increased cell death, as may be seen with some cancer treatments, or, rarely, may be due to an inherited tendency to overproduce uric acid. Decreased elimination of uric acid is often a result of impaired kidney function due to kidney disease. Uric acid levels are also increased in pre-eclampsia and may be measured as part of the assessment of this condition.

Is fasting required for the uric acid test?

It is worth noting that fasting, a starvation diet, and strenuous exercise can actually raise uric acid levels temporarily. So if your doctor does ask you to fast, it is important to follow their exact instructions to get an accurate reading.

Sample and specimen requirements

The serum uric acid test requires 3 to 5 cc of clotted blood or serum, taken from a vein in your arm. The blood draw takes less than five minutes - you may feel only a small sting when the needle goes in.

For the urine uric acid test, a 24-hour urine sample is collected instead. You will be given a container and instructions on how to collect and store your urine over the full 24-hour period.

Normal range of serum uric acid

Normal uric acid levels differ between men and women. The general reference ranges are:

Normal ranges can vary slightly from one lab to another depending on the method and equipment used. Your Chughtai Lab report will include the specific reference range used for your result. It is not good to have either a low or a higher-than-normal uric acid level - always discuss your result with your doctor.

What do high and low uric acid levels mean?

High uric acid (hyperuricemia)

A higher-than-normal uric acid level, also called hyperuricemia, means that you may have gout, obesity, leukaemia, or it can also be a side effect of an ongoing cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Excess uric acid can form needle-like crystals around the joints, leading to gout, and can contribute to kidney stones.

Low uric acid

Low uric acid levels can signify heavy alcohol usage, kidney diseases, or lead poisoning. Doctors seldom need to test specifically for low levels of uric acid. A low or high level of uric acid can often be managed with the help of medications and dietary changes, under a doctor's guidance.

Additional notes and preparation

Many drugs can increase or decrease the level of uric acid. In particular, thiazide diuretics can cause uric acid levels to rise. Aspirin (and other salicylates) have varying effects on uric acid: at low doses, aspirin can increase blood uric acid, while at high doses (as used to treat rheumatoid arthritis), aspirin actually lowers the concentration of uric acid.

For people who have uric acid kidney stones or gout, foods that are high in purine content should be avoided, including organ meats (like liver and kidneys), sardines, and anchovies. Alcohol should also be avoided, because it slows down the removal of uric acid from the body.

Some people may have a high level of uric acid in the blood without any associated signs or symptoms - this is called asymptomatic hyperuricemia. General screening to detect this condition is not routinely recommended; discuss with your doctor whether testing is right for you. If you want a broader picture of your overall health, uric acid is also included in the Basic Health Profile, which bundles several routine tests at a discounted package price.

How long does the uric acid test report take?

The blood draw itself takes less than five minutes. After sample collection, serum uric acid results are typically available the same day at Chughtai Lab. You will receive an SMS as soon as your report is ready, and results can be viewed through the patient portal or mobile app. If you need a guaranteed turnaround time, confirm with 03-111-456-789 when booking.

Uric acid test price compared to other labs

Many patients compare uric acid test prices across different labs in Pakistan before booking. Here is an honest comparison:

If you are comparing prices from Dow Lab, IDC, or other labs, note that the exact price can vary by city and by the method used. Chughtai Lab's price of Rs. 800 includes free home sample collection with no extra charge.

Serum uric acid test price at Chughtai Lab Pakistan

The Serum Uric Acid test price at Chughtai Lab is Rs. 800. However, the uric acid test price in Pakistan may vary in different labs and cities. Home sample collection is free of charge - no extra charge is added for home sampling.

FAQs