Uric Acid, Serum

Uric acid is a natural waste product produced by the body produced by the breakdown of purines, a compound found in food. The majority of uric acid dissolves in the blood and travels to kidneys. It then exits the body via the urine. If the body produces too much uric acid or does not discharge enough into your urine, it can make crystals that form in your joint. This is referred to as gout, a type of arthritis that causes painful inflammation in and around the joints. One may be more susceptible to developing kidney stones if uric acid level is high. Additionally, hyperuricemia can aggravate chronic renal disease if it already exists or raises the chance of its development. High levels of uric acid can potentially lead to additional problems, such as renal failure. It is often assessed in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It is also used to determine the source of recurring kidney stones and to diagnose gout.

Reasons for Undergoing the Uric Acid Test

The uric acid test is a vital diagnostic tool used to assess various health conditions. The key reasons for undergoing this test include:

• Diagnosing gout, a form of arthritis causing intense joint pain and inflammation
• Monitoring uric acid levels during cancer treatment, as chemotherapy and radiation can lead to elevated levels
• Determining if high uric acid is causing kidney stones or assessing the risk of developing them
• Evaluating kidney function and detecting potential kidney diseases that may affect uric acid removal
• Identifying and managing conditions like leukemia, multiple myeloma, metabolic disorders, and medication side effects that impact uric acid levels