Uric Acid
A blood test that measures uric acid levels to help diagnose gout, monitor kidney function, and assess risk for kidney stones.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
This test measures the concentration of uric acid circulating in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product generated when the body breaks down purines, naturally occurring compounds found in the body's own cells and in certain foods and beverages, particularly red and organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol. Under normal conditions, uric acid dissolves in the blood, travels to the kidneys, and is excreted in urine.
Problems develop when uric acid production exceeds the body's ability to eliminate it, or when the kidneys are not clearing it efficiently. Elevated levels (hyperuricemia) can cause uric acid crystals to form in joints, triggering the intense pain and inflammation of gout, or accumulate in the kidneys, contributing to kidney stone formation. High uric acid is also associated with kidney dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Less commonly, abnormally low levels (hypouricemia) may indicate other health concerns. This test helps healthcare providers evaluate risk for gout, kidney stones, and kidney disease.
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals experiencing symptoms of gout, including sudden attacks of joint pain, redness, and swelling, particularly in the big toe
- Those with suspected kidney stones, especially if experiencing severe back pain, blood in urine, or difficulty urinating
- Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as these treatments can raise uric acid levels significantly
- People with chronic kidney disease or decreased kidney function who need monitoring of waste product elimination
- Individuals with a family history of gout or kidney stones who want to assess their risk
- Those with metabolic disorders, diabetes, or obesity that may affect uric acid metabolism
- Patients taking diuretics or other medications that can influence uric acid levels
What to expect
Preparation
Most laboratories require fasting for 4 hours before the test, though some may not require fasting at all. Factors like dehydration, hard exercise, sauna use, alcohol consumption, and aggressive fasting can temporarily increase uric acid levels. Individuals should inform their healthcare provider about all medications, as certain drugs can affect results.
Sample Type
Blood is typically drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The blood collection is quick and uses standard blood draw techniques with minimal discomfort.
Collection
A healthcare professional will clean the skin, insert a small needle into a vein, and collect the blood sample in a tube. The entire process typically takes just a few minutes with no special requirements after the draw.
Turnaround
Results are usually available within 1-2 days, though timing may vary depending on the laboratory. Most direct-to-consumer testing services provide results within 24-48 hours of sample processing.
Understanding your results
Results are reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), with normal ranges that differ by sex and may vary slightly between laboratories. Elevated levels do not automatically mean gout or kidney disease will develop, but they do indicate increased risk, particularly when levels remain consistently high over time. Healthcare providers interpret uric acid alongside symptoms (such as joint pain or kidney stone history), kidney function markers, dietary patterns, and medications to determine whether intervention is needed.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Men | 3.4-7.2 mg/dL | Men typically have higher uric acid levels than premenopausal women due to hormonal differences |
| Adult Women (Premenopausal) | 2.4-6.0 mg/dL | Estrogen helps with uric acid excretion, resulting in lower levels in premenopausal women |
| Adult Women (Postmenopausal) | 3.4-7.0 mg/dL | After menopause, women's uric acid levels often rise and approach the male range |
| Children | 2.0-5.5 mg/dL | Children typically have lower uric acid levels than adults |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Low uric acid levels are less common and usually not serious, typically occurring when uric acid production is low or the body is clearing it more quickly than usual. Low levels may suggest liver disease, certain medications, or dietary deficiencies. This condition may occur due to low purine intake, certain medications, pregnancy, kidney conditions that increase uric acid excretion, or rare inherited disorders. In most cases, low uric acid levels don't cause symptoms or require treatment.
What does a “High” result mean?
Elevated serum uric acid levels (hyperuricemia), typically defined as levels above 6.8 mg/dL, can lead to gout and may indicate kidney dysfunction. High levels may be associated with conditions such as kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, leukemia, metabolic disorders, or dehydration from diuretic use. Elevated uric acid can also result from consuming foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, certain seafood, alcohol, and foods containing high fructose corn syrup. Higher uric acid levels correlate with increased risk of developing gout or kidney stones.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. Your uric acid test results are completely confidential and protected by strict privacy standards. All testing is conducted through HIPAA-compliant laboratories that prioritize patient confidentiality. Results are delivered securely through an encrypted patient portal, accessible only to those who need to know. Important privacy protections include: results are <u>not reported to your doctor</u> unless you specifically choose to share them, test results are <u>not part of your medical records</u> unless you add them yourself, and the test will <u>not appear on insurance statements</u> since no doctor visit is required. Your employer, insurance company, and other third parties cannot access your results without your explicit consent. The laboratory maintains strict confidentiality protocols and will never share your information with outside parties for marketing or other purposes.
Frequently asked questions
Related tests
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Essential for assessing kidney function alongside uric acid levels, as kidney disease can affect uric acid elimination
View TestComprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Includes kidney function markers and electrolytes that help interpret uric acid results in metabolic context
View TestC-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Helps detect inflammation that may be associated with gout attacks or other conditions affecting uric acid levels
View TestGlucose Test
Diabetes and metabolic syndrome are associated with elevated uric acid levels and kidney complications
View TestRelated conditions
Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 84550
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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