What is a Uric Acid test?
Uric acid is a waste product formed when your body breaks down purines — substances found in red meat, organ meats, shellfish, alcohol (especially beer) and some vegetables. Normally the kidneys filter uric acid out in urine. When production is too high or kidneys are underperforming, uric acid builds up (hyperuricaemia), forming crystals that deposit in joints and cause gout, or in the kidneys, causing kidney stones.
Uric Acid Normal Range
| Group | Normal Range (mg/dL) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Men | 3.5 – 7.2 | Normal |
| Women | 2.6 – 6.0 | Normal |
| Children | 2.0 – 5.5 | Normal |
| Gout risk (men) | > 7.2 | High |
| Gout risk (women) | > 6.0 | High |
What does HIGH uric acid mean?
HIGH Uric acid above normal — Hyperuricaemia
High uric acid (hyperuricaemia) has several causes: high-purine diet (red meat, organ meats, beer, fructose-rich drinks), dehydration, kidney disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, certain medicines (diuretics, low-dose aspirin, cyclosporine), and cancer treatment (tumour lysis syndrome). Many people with high uric acid have no symptoms — this is called asymptomatic hyperuricaemia. But gout attacks, kidney stones or chronic kidney disease can develop over time.
What is Gout?
Gout — sudden severe joint pain
Gout occurs when uric acid crystals deposit in a joint, causing sudden intense pain, swelling, redness and warmth — most commonly in the big toe. Attacks often start at night and peak within 24 hours. The joint may be so painful that even a bedsheet touching it feels unbearable. First gout attack? See your doctor immediately. Uric-acid-lowering medicines (allopurinol, febuxostat) are highly effective long-term.
What does LOW uric acid mean?
LOW Uric acid below 2 mg/dL
Low uric acid is rare and less clinically significant. It can occur with certain kidney diseases, liver disease, or use of medications like losartan or high-dose aspirin. Some researchers believe very low uric acid may be associated with multiple sclerosis risk, but this is not fully established.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Do I need medication or just dietary changes?
- Which foods should I specifically avoid?
- Should I check my kidney function too?
- How much water should I drink daily?