What is Uric Acid Serum Test?

A uric acid serum test checks how much uric acid is present in your blood. Uric acid is a waste product your body makes when it breaks down substances called purines—found in certain foods like red meat, seafood, and even alcohol.

Usually, your kidneys filter uric acid out and flush it through urine. But if your body produces too much or doesn’t get rid of enough, it can build up. This might lead to painful conditions like gout or the formation of kidney stones.

Doctors use this simple blood test to diagnose or monitor such issues and to keep an eye on your body’s overall balance.

You might be asked to take this test in a few common scenarios:

• Signs of Gout: Sudden joint pain especially in the feet or toes—can signal excess uric acid.
• Repeat Kidney Stones: If you’ve had stones more than once, your doctor may check if uric acid is the cause.
• Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy and radiation can break down cells rapidly, raising uric acid levels.
• Ongoing Management: If you’re already being treated for gout or related conditions, this test helps track how well it’s working.

Your doctor may recommend a uric acid test if:

• You experience joint pain, redness, or swelling, especially in your big toe
• You’ve had kidney stones and want to understand the cause
• You’re undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
• You’re being treated for gout, leukemia, or lymphoma, and need to monitor progress

It’s a quick and easy test that gives valuable insight into your body’s internal balance.

The test looks at how much uric acid is in a small sample of your blood. Uric acid forms naturally when your body processes purines.

Normally, it travels through your bloodstream, gets filtered by your kidneys, and exits via urine. But when levels get too high, it can start building up—sometimes silently, sometimes causing painful symptoms.

Labs use a process called enzymatic analysis to measure uric acid. This method is accurate and widely used.

After drawing a blood sample, technicians treat it with specific enzymes that react with uric acid. The reaction helps determine exactly how much uric acid is present in your blood.

Usually, not much prep is needed. But here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Some labs might ask you to fast for a few hours
• Let your doctor know if you're taking any medications or supplements
• Try to avoid alcohol and purine-heavy foods (like red meat and organ meats) the night before
• Stay hydrated, as dehydration can slightly affect your uric acid levels

It’s as simple as a routine blood draw:

• Your arm is cleaned with an antiseptic
• A needle draws a small amount of blood from a vein
• The sample goes to the lab for analysis

You might feel a quick sting, but the whole process takes just a few minutes. A small bandage is applied, and you’re good to go.

Results are measured in mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter):

Men: 3.4 – 7.0 mg/dL

Women: 2.4 – 6.0 mg/dL

Your doctor will explain whether your level falls within the healthy range and what the numbers mean for you personally.

An abnormally high or low uric acid level can indicate several conditions.

High levels of uric acid (Hyperuricemia) can be due to excess production or insufficient excretion of uric acid. This can be due to hereditary factors, a diet rich in purines, excessive alcohol intake, obesity, an underactive thyroid, diabetes, certain cancer treatments, and the use of diuretics and aspirin.

Low levels of uric acid (Hypouricemia) are less common and can result from a diet low in purines, exposure to lead, and hereditary disorders that affect purine metabolism. Certain medications like allopurinol and probenecid can also lower uric acid levels.

A few simple lifestyle habits can help:

• Drink water regularly to support your kidneys
• Watch your diet—limit foods high in purines like red meat and shellfish
• Avoid sugary drinks and excess alcohol
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
• Include low-fat dairy and more fruits and veggies in your meals

Your doctor may also recommend medications if needed.

Post-test care is minimal. But here are a few tips:

• Keep the bandage on for a few hours
• Avoid heavy lifting if your arm feels sore
• If the area looks red or swollen, check in with your doctor
• Most importantly, follow up on your results and next steps if levels are off

Staying on top of your uric acid levels is one of the easiest ways to prevent future health issues—especially if you’ve had symptoms before.