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Know Your Blood Parameter: Uric Acid

  1. Parameter Name

    Uric Acid


  2. Test Type

    Blood


  3. Normal Range

    • Men: 2.5–7.0 mg/dL (some sources 4.0–8.5)

    • Women: 1.5–6.0 mg/dL (some sources 2.7–7.3)


  4. High Levels (Hyperuricemia)

    • Causes: overproduction (high-purine diet, cell breakdown), reduced excretion (kidney issues, diuretics, dehydration, alcohol) 

    • May indicate: gout, uric acid kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, tumorlysis syndrome 


  5. Low Levels (Hypouricemia)

    • Causes: rare genetic/kidney tubular disorders (e.g., Fanconi syndrome), certain medications, low-purine diet, liver/kidney disease 

    • Usually asymptomatic, but can be associated with renal hypouricemia leading to exercise-induced kidney issues or neurological conditions 


  6. Why It's Tested

    Assesses purine metabolism and kidney excretion; useful for evaluating gout, kidney stones, metabolic/cardio‑renal conditions, and tumor lysis syndrome during chemotherapy 


  7. Symptoms

    • High: gout-like joint pain/swelling, flank pain, kidney stone symptoms (pain, hematuria), often asymptomatic 

    • Low: generally none, but may indicate underlying renal or metabolic issues 


  8. Next Steps if Abnormal

    • High: repeat testing, evaluate kidney function, review diet (reduce purines, alcohol, fructose), hydrate; manage gout flares and consider urate-lowering drugs (allopurinol, febuxostat) if symptomatic.

    • Low: investigate kidney tubular disorders, review diet/medications, and monitor for related issues


  9. References (APA format):

    • Medscape. (2019). Uric Acid: Reference Range, Interpretation

    • Arthritis Foundation. (2022). High & Low Uric Acid Symptoms

    • UCSF Health. (2023). Uric acid – blood.

    • Healthline. (2023). Uric Acid Test (Blood Analysis).

 
 
 

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