Uric Acid

Formal name: Uric Acid

The Test Sample

What is being tested?

Uric acid is produced by the breakdown of purines. Purines are chemicals that come from nucleic acids (DNA). They enter the circulation from digestion of foods or from normal breakdown and turnover of cells in the body. Most uric acid is removed by the kidneys and disposed of in the urine; the remainder is excreted in the feces.

If too much uric acid is produced or not enough is excreted, it can accumulate. The presence of excess uric acid can cause the condition called gout an inflammation that occurs in joints when crystals derived from uric acid form in the joint fluid.

The most common reasons for accumulation of uric acid are an inherited tendency to overproduce uric acid or impaired kidney function that results in decreased ability to excrete uric acid.

How is the sample collected for testing?

A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm.

NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.

Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.