MBI043 - URIC ACID, SERUM Detail

Uric Acid (Serum) is a blood test that measures the level of uric acid in the bloodstream, an important marker of purine metabolism and renal excretion.

Description

Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, which are substances found in many foods and in the body’s cells. Normally, uric acid is dissolved in the blood, filtered by the kidneys, and excreted in urine.

Serum uric acid levels reflect the balance between production (from purine metabolism) and excretion (via the kidneys).

Clinical Significance

• High serum uric acid (hyperuricemia) may indicate:

  • Gout (crystal deposition in joints)

  • Kidney disease or impaired renal excretion

  • High-purine diet

  • Certain medications (diuretics, chemotherapy)

  • Metabolic syndrome or obesity

• Low serum uric acid (hypouricemia) may indicate:

  • Kidney disease with excessive uric acid loss

  • Certain genetic disorders

  • Wilson’s disease or rare enzyme deficiencies

    Uric acid measurement is also useful in monitoring treatment of gout and assessing risk for kidney stones.

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    Normal Range

  • Men: 3.4–7.0 mg/dL

  • Women: 2.4–6.0 mg/dL
    (Ranges may vary by laboratory)