Know Your Blood Parameter: Uric Acid
- Zeenat Khalil
- Jun 23
- 1 min read

Parameter Name
Uric Acid
Test Type
Blood
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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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