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).