Uric acid is a waste product that is produced when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in some foods, such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol. After they break down, uric acid is mostly eliminated from the body through the urine.

Although it plays a role in the body's chemical balance, excess or lack of uric acid can lead to health problems.

Uric acid is often used as a biomarker to diagnose and monitor conditions such as gout, kidney disease, and some forms of arthritis. Regular uric acid tests can help doctors determine if a patient is at risk of developing these conditions.

A uric acid test may be recommended in a variety of situations. Although not included in annual health checks, this test is essential for diagnosing specific health conditions.

The following are cases where a uric acid test may be required:

• Persistent joint pain : Redness, swelling, or pain, possible signs of gout.
• Recurrent kidney stones.
• Lower back pain or kidney pain.
• Treatment monitoring : For conditions like gout or kidney disease.
• After cancer treatments : Some treatments, such as chemotherapy, can increase uric acid levels.

A uric acid test is usually done by taking a blood test. Sometimes a urine test is requested to measure how much uric acid is excreted by the kidneys.

• Blood test : A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually from the arm, to measure the level of uric acid in the blood.
• Urine test : A 24-hour urine collection is often used to assess the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys.

Preparations for the test:

• Fasting : It is often advised not to eat for at least 8 hours prior to the test. Water is allowed.
• Alcohol : Avoid alcohol 24 hours before the test, as it can influence uric acid levels.
• Physical activity : Avoid strenuous physical activity just before the test.
• Stress and tobacco : Avoid stress and don't smoke for at least 30 minutes before the test.

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Normal uric acid levels vary by age and gender. Here are the standard reference values:

Children (boys):

• Up to 10 years: 2.4 - 5.4 mg/dL
• Up to 11 years: 2.7 - 5.9 mg/dL
• Up to 12 years: 3.1 - 6.4 mg/dL
• Up to 13 years: 3.4 - 6.9 mg/dL
• Up to 14 years: 3.7 - 7.4 mg/dL
• Up to 15 years: 4.0 - 7.8 mg/dL
• Over 15 years: 3.7 - 8.0 mg/dL

Children (girls):

• Up to 1 year: 2.1 - 4.9 mg/dL
• Up to 6 years: 2.1 - 5.4 mg/dL
• Up to 8 years: 2.3 - 5.5 mg/dL
• Up to 10 years: 2.3 - 5.7 mg/dL
• Up to 12 years: 2.3 - 5.9 mg/dL
• Over 12 years: 2.7 - 6.1 mg/dL

Pregnant women:

• Up to 12 weeks: 119 - 250 mcmol/L
• Up to 27 weeks: 143 - 292 mcmol/L
• Up to 42 weeks: 184 - 375 mcmol/L

Note : The units of measurement and the normal ranges may vary depending on the laboratory and the methods used.

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Abnormal uric acid levels can indicate a variety of underlying health conditions, depending on whether they are too high or too low.

High uric acid levels (hyperuricemia)
High levels can cause complications if not managed. The body may produce too much uric acid or have trouble eliminating it, causing it to build up in the blood.

Common causes:

• High purine diet : Red meats, seafood, and alcohol increase uric acid levels.
• Goutte : A condition directly linked to high levels of uric acid, causing painful joint inflammation.
• Kidney diseases : Impaired kidney function reduces the elimination of uric acid.
• Obesity : Excess weight increases the risk of hyperuricemia.
• Some cancers : Leukemia and multiple myeloma can increase uric acid production.
• Chemotherapy : Cancer treatments cause a rapid increase in uric acid during cell destruction.

Recommendations:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce uric acid buildup.
• Drink plenty of water to help eliminate uric acid.
• Reduce foods that are high in purines (red meats, seafood).
• Limit alcohol consumption, especially beer.
• Include more dairy products in your diet.
• Add cherries to your diet as they can help lower uric acid levels.
• Consult your doctor to consider vitamin C supplements, which may lower uric acid.

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Low levels, although less common, may also indicate health problems.

Common causes:

• Excessive alcohol consumption : Alcohol reduces uric acid production.
• Lead poisoning : Prolonged exposure to lead can lower uric acid levels.
• Kidney failure : Severe kidney problems can alter uric acid production.
• Medications : Some medical treatments can lower uric acid levels.

Recommendations:

• Work with your doctor to identify the exact cause of low levels.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• If alcohol is a factor, reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption.
• Increase your water intake to support kidney function.