Gout is a common type of arthritis, and it is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product that the body produces when purines are metabolized. Purines can be found in many body tissues as well as in foods such as organ meats, red meat, seafood, dried beans, mushrooms, asparagus, and beer.
Those with gout will have elevated levels of uric acid, resulting in the formation of needle-like urate crystals that accumulate in the joint cartilage and under the skin. While gout can affect many parts of the body, the joint at the base of the big toe is commonly affected, but it can also target the joints in the hands, fingers, elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet.
Individuals who suffer from gout may be experiencing painful flares. These flares are characterized by inflammation, swelling, heat, and pain around the affected joint area. Initially, a gout flare lasts for a few days up to several weeks. As time goes by, it will happen more often and last longer in certain individuals with severe forms of gout, such as gouty arthritis.
About uric acid test
This test measures the level of uric acid present in your bloodstream.
Purines are broken down into uric acid in the bloodstream, and the body eliminates it through urination or bowel movements. However, excess production of uric acid or impaired kidney function can result in its accumulation in the blood. Additionally, the uric acid levels in the blood may increase due to the consumption of purine-rich foods or the use of medications like diuretics, niacin, and aspirin. As a result, inflammation is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints, which eventually leads to unbearable pain.
The role of uric acid test
Monitoring your uric acid levels regularly is an essential part of maintaining overall health. Diagnosing hyperuricemia in its initial stages gives you the opportunity to deal with it proactively and, perhaps, prevent gout attacks as well as other related complications.
Uric acid testing is crucial for several important reasons to detect gout attacks:
Identify the risk of gout attacks: Consistently high levels of the possibility of getting gout attack . Recognizing this risk at an early stage enables the implementation of preventive measures that may lead to fewer frequent and less severe gout attacks.
Monitor treatment effectiveness: When you have been diagnosed with gout or hyperuricemia, or if you have already experienced these conditions, it is essential to check your uric acid level from time to time to find out how effective your treatment plan is. With this, you will be able to make the necessary changes for your uric acid levels to stay in a healthy range.
Identify underlying conditions: Elevated uric acid levels might hint at another health condition that may be related to obesity, metabolic syndrome, or kidney disease. Regular checking of uric acid levels may prompt further testing or examination when necessary.
Who should undergo uric acid testing?
When gout is suspected based on symptoms or a history of prior gout attacks, the patient should undergo gout testing. The following are indications for gout testing:
- Joint pain, inflammation, and redness in one or more joints
- Intense pain in the joint located at the bottom of the big toe
- Repeated swelling in the inner arch of the foot
- Past episodes of symptoms that appeared suddenly and disappeared spontaneously
Test procedure
An elastic band is tied around your upper arm and you may be asked to clench your fist to cause blood to enter the veins. The skin is cleaned before introducing the needle into a vein. After piercing through the skin with a needle, blood is then drawn. Needle insertion may give rise to a pricking or pinching feeling. Before having uric acid testing done, tell your healthcare provider about any medicines or supplements you are taking.
Uric acid levels in your blood can also be determined using a convenient home test kit. These kits involve pricking your finger to obtain a small drop of blood, placing it on a test strip, and then using a handheld meter to find out your uric acid level.
Interpretation of uric acid test results
Your test results can be affected by many things- age, gender, health history, and certain other factors. Tests conducted in different labs may also be a reason for result discrepancies. It is important to note that these test results does not necessarily indicate the presence of any medical concerns. It is advisable to consult your healthcare provider to better understand your uric acid test results.
The test findings are reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, known as hyperuricemia, may be indicated:
- Female- Higher than 6 mg/dL
- Male- Higher than 7 mg/dL
Uric acid levels may be increased due to several reasons. The main causes of hyperuricemia are alcoholism, acidosis, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, hypoparathyroidism, side effects of chemotherapy, lead poisoning, a diet rich in purine, leukemia, kidney diseases, etc. Abnormally low uric acid levels might be due to metabolic disorders, HIV infection, liver disease, certain medications, and a low-purine diet.
Serum uric acid testing is important to prevent gout attacks. It provides a possibility for people to make the required diet and lifestyle changes. Healthcare providers can also recommend medicines that lower uric acid levels, leading to a reduced incidence of gout flares. Additionally, monitoring uric acid levels regularly can help identify early problems with blood tests at nearest diagnostics centre, and avoid painful gout attacks.
