Uric acid test serves to determine the level of uric acid in the body with blood or urine samples. This test can be a tool to diagnose and monitor various diseases, such as gout and kidney stones.
Uric acid is a waste product of the breakdown of a substance called purine, which the kidneys filter and remove with urine. Gout tests are generally recommended by doctors if you often experience joint pain or lower back pain, also if you have been diagnosed with gout or kidney stones.
Gout Test Procedure
Based on the sample examination, in general there are two methods that can be done to measure uric acid levels in the body:
Blood sample
The doctor will ask you to fast (not eat and drink) about 4 hours before the uric acid test is done. Next, a blood sample will be taken from the veins, usually in the folds of the arms.
The blood drawing procedure only takes a few minutes, then you can go home. Blood samples will be examined in the laboratory, and the results can be taken within a few hours to 1-2 days.
In addition, there is also a gout test that can give results in quick time and only uses wireless devices that are very practical. This test is done by sticking a small needle at the tip of the finger, then dripping blood out into the tip of the examination tool. Test results will appear on the monitor within a few minutes.
Although practical and fast, this examination is only screening and not diagnostic. That is, the gout test in this way only gives an idea of how the levels of uric acid in the body. If the results increase, you are advised to make sure to go back to the doctor in the hospital or laboratory.
Urine sample
This uric acid test is done using a urine sample. You will usually be given a container to hold urine for 24 hours. Fill the container in the following way:
- In the morning, immediately urinate (BAK) after waking up. This first urine does not need to be accommodated, but note what time you BAK.
- Next, collect all the urine that you release within 24 hours. Record the time for each BAK and keep the urine container in the refrigerator or ice box again.
- After successfully collecting urine samples for 24 hours, submit the container containing urine to the laboratory for inspection. The results of the examination you can get within a few days.
Read the Results of Gout Tests
Normal uric acid levels in the blood are 2.5-7.5 mg / dL for women and 4-8.5 mg / dL for men. When measured from urine, normal adult uric acid levels are 250-750 mg per total urine for 24 hours.
The following are various health problems that you may experience, if your uric acid test results are abnormal:
High uric acid levels in the blood
High uric acid levels in the blood can indicate that you consume too much high purine food, suffer from preeclampsia, or experience kidney stones. In addition, cancer patients or people who are undergoing cancer treatment can also have high uric acid levels in the blood.
High uric acid levels in urine
High uric acid test results in urine can be caused by gout, excessive consumption of high purine foods, obesity, or cancer, such as multiple myeloma and leukemia.
Low uric acid levels in the blood
Although low uric acid levels in the blood are not considered dangerous, but that does not mean you can underestimate them. This condition may be related to liver and kidney disease, poisoning, or Wilson's disease
Low uric acid levels in urine
Low levels of uric acid in the urine can indicate you suffer from kidney disease, consume too much alcohol, or experience lead poisoning.
The gout test can serve as an early detection step for gout or kidney disease. However, to ensure the condition that you are experiencing, the doctor needs to do further tests, such as urinalysis and taking fluid from the joints.
If your uric acid test shows abnormal results, don't be afraid to consult your doctor again. That way, the doctor can do further tests to determine the cause and provide the treatment you need.
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