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Uric Acid

₹140

Dr. Lal Pathlab

4.8

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Overview

Interpreting Results

FAQ's

Overview of Uric Acid

What is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is a nitrogenous compound which is formed as a byproduct of metabolic activities and is eliminated by the kidneys. The buildup of uric acid levels in blood gives rise to a number of health conditions. The Uric Acid Test is performed to measure the levels of uric acid in the blood.

Why is Uric Acid done?

The Blood Uric Acid Test is performed:

· To diagnose gout upon the appearance of symptoms

· In cancer patients being treated by chemotherapy or radiotherapy to monitor their uric acid levels

· To check the efficacy of medications that lower uric acid levels

· To assess the risk of kidney stones or to determine the cause of recurrent kidney stones

What does Uric Acid Measure?

Uric acid is a nitrogenous compound produced by the metabolic breakdown of purine. Purines are nitrogenous bases in DNA forming parts of the structural framework of the cells. Breakdown of purines occurs when cells become old and die, forming uric acid. Uric acid is also formed from the metabolic breakdown of some types of food like red meat, seafood, beans, etc.

Most of the uric acid in the blood is filtered and eliminated by the kidneys and a small remaining amount in the stool. The concentration of uric acid in the blood can increase due to overproduction of uric acid or improper elimination of uric acid, and this condition is called Hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia can also be caused due to cancer treatment by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. These treatment methods kill the cancer cells, which may leak the uric acid into the blood.

Excess uric acid can form crystals in the synovial fluid between the joints causing inflammation and pain. This condition is called gout and can severely damage the joints if left untreated. Blood Uric Acid Test can indicate the presence of gout, or risk of formation of gout. However, it is not a definitive test for gout. Confirmatory test for gout is performed by analysis of synovial fluid (joint fluid) for monosodium urate crystals. Chronic Hyperuricemia can cause the formation of tophi, which are hard lumpy deposits of uric acid crystals formed under the skin, in the joints, and at the top of the ears. Tophi cause severe damage to the joints and may compress nerves causing chronic pain and disfigurement. The excess uric acid may also deposit and crystallize in the kidneys causing kidney stones and acute renal failure.

Preparation for Uric Acid

No special preparation required

Sample Type for Uric Acid

The sample type collected for Uric Acid is: Blood

Interpreting Uric Acid results

Interpretations

Normal uric acid range:

· Adult Female: 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL

· Adult Male: 3.4 to 7.0 mg/dL

· Children: 2.0 to 5.5 mg/dL

Higher than normal levels of uric acid in the blood is called Hyperuricemia and may be caused due to kidney diseases, gout, chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Uric Acid

Frequently Asked Questions about Uric Acid

Q. How is this test performed?

This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle is used to withdraw blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm, generally from the inner side of the elbow area. The doctor, nurse or the phlebotomist will tie an elastic band around your arm which will help the blood vessels to swell with blood. This makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The needle is then inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You may feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample, once collected, is then sent to the laboratory.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. What is Hyperuricemia?

Hyperuricemia refers to a condition where the blood uric acid level is above the normal range. This condition may be caused due to an overproduction of uric acid or improper elimination of it from blood.

Q. What are the symptoms of Hyperuricemia?

Symptoms of Hyperuricemia include: · Gout which causes inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain at the joints · Kidney stones which cause pain in the lower back, abdomen, or sides, difficulty and pain during urination, blood in urine, etc. · Urinary tract infections · Renal failure

Q. What are the risk factors for Hyperuricemia?

Risk factors for Hyperuricemia include: · Kidney diseases · Hypothyroidism or reduced secretion of hormones of thyroid gland · Hypertension or high blood pressure · Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar · Extreme physical activity · Chronic exposure to lead · Pesticide poisoning · Obesity · Alcoholism · Certain medications

Q. What is the difference between gout and pseudogout?

Gout or gouty arthritis is a medical condition which causes painful swelling and inflammation of the joints, most commonly of the joints of toes and lower limbs. It is caused due to excess uric acid in blood, leading to the deposition of monosodium urate crystals (uric acid crystals) in the synovial fluid of the joints. Pseudogout is a condition which shows symptoms similar to gout, namely painful inflammation and swelling at the joints. Pseudogout most commonly affects the knee joints, but may also affect the ankles, elbows, and wrists. It is caused due to formation and deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints. Deposition of these crystals can occur due to hypercalcemia, hypothyroidism, magnesium deficiency, high iron concentration in blood, and aging.

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case of abnormal uric acid test result?

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal uric acid test result are: · Synovial Fluid Analysis · Urine Analysis · Kidney Function Test

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Dr. Lal Pathlab

4.8

NABL

CAP

ISO

About Dr. Lal Pathlab

We focus on providing patients quality diagnostic healthcare services in India. Through our network, we offer patients convenient locations for their diagnostic healthcare services and efficient service. With over 3368 diagnostic and related healthcare tests and services offered, we believe we are capable of performing substantially all of the diagnostic healthcare tests and services currently prescribed by physicians in India. Our key competitive strengths are: Business model focused on the patient as a customer and an established consumer healthcare brand associated with quality services, in a market where patients generally choose their diagnostic healthcare service provider. Well-positioned to leverage upon one of the fastest-growing segments of the Indian healthcare industry. A network whose growth yields greater economies of scale, combined with a hub and spoke model that is scalable for further growth. Centralized information technology platform that fully integrates our network and is scalable. Attractive financial performance, financial profile and return on invested capital. Experienced leadership team with strong industry expertise and successful track record. Some of our laboratories have achieved International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, certification for their quality systems. Our National Reference Laboratory has obtained ISO 9001:2008 certification (for the performance of routine and advanced diagnostic pathology testing services, including clinical trials), ISO 15189:2007 (for quality management in medical laboratories), ISO 15189:2012 certification (in the field of medical testing) and ISO 27001:2013 certification (for establishing an effective information management system that maintains and processes information security at our data center).