Uric acid test
Quick answer: A uric acid test measures uric acid, a waste product from breaking down purines in food and body cells, in your blood or urine. It is ordered for joint pain that may be gout, kidney stones, kidney disease, and during some cancer treatments.
- SampleBlood or urine
- TakesAbout 5 minutes for blood; up to 24 hours for urine
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed for blood; for the 24-hour urine test, you will be given a container and collection instructions.
- In fertility careIn pregnancy, it is sometimes checked with other tests when preeclampsia is suspected.
How the test is done
- 1For blood, a vein in your arm is cleaned and a sample is drawn
- 2A fasting sample is sometimes preferred
- 3For spot or 24-hour urine, you collect urine in a container
- 4The sample is sent to the lab
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Normal ranges differ between labs, so compare your result with the range printed on your report and discuss it with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A high level can be seen with gout, kidney disease, a diet high in meat, seafood or alcohol, some medicines, preeclampsia and some cancer treatments. A low level is uncommon and rarely a problem.
Who usually has this test
People with joint pain that may be gout, kidney stones or kidney disease, those having some cancer treatments, and pregnant women with suspected preeclampsia.
Risks and aftercare
If you are having a gout attack, continue the care your doctor advised; the test itself has no special aftercare.
Names and options
Also called: serum uric acid, urine uric acid
Options
- Serum
- 24-hour urine
- Spot urine
Listed by the hospital as
- URIC ACID, SERUM
- URIC ACID, 24 HRS URINE
- URIC ACID SPOT URINE
Questions about this test
Does a high uric acid mean I have gout?
Not always. Many people with high uric acid never get gout, and levels can be normal during a gout attack. Doctors diagnose gout from symptoms, examination and sometimes joint fluid tests.
Which foods raise uric acid?
Red meat, organ meats, some seafood, beer and sugary drinks can raise uric acid. Drinking enough water and limiting these foods can help.
Why is urine uric acid tested?
Urine uric acid helps doctors see whether the body is making too much or the kidneys are not removing enough. It is also used when uric acid kidney stones are suspected.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.