URIC ACID (Serum)
Also known as: Serum urate
How to prepare
You can eat and drink normally before the test.
No special preparation needed.
Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.
Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.
How it works
About this test
Uric acid is formed when the body breaks down purines, found in many foods. Too much uric acid can form crystals in joints (gout) or kidney stones.
Why is this test done?
- Find the cause of joint pain (gout)
- Check kidney stone risk
- Monitor gout treatment
Symptoms — when should you get tested?
- Sudden painful, red, swollen joint (often big toe)
- Kidney stones
- Joint pain
Normal range
Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.
If your result is high
High uric acid can lead to gout and kidney stones.
Common reasons- Red meat, seafood and alcohol (especially beer)
- Kidney disease
- Overweight
- Some medicines like diuretics
If your result is low
Low uric acid is rarely a concern.
Common reasons- Some medicines
- Liver disease
How is the test done?
- 1Book online
Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.
- 2Blood sample taken
A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.
- 3Tested in our lab
Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.
- 4Report on WhatsApp
A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.
Save more with a health package
This test is also included in these checkups along with many other tests.
Frequently asked questions
No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.
Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.
Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.
This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.