Uric Acid
The uric acid blood test measures levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. It helps assess gout risk, kidney health, and metabolic balance.
Turnaround time
1-2 days
Biomarkers count
1
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Details about Uric Acid
What is the Uric Acid test?
The Uric Acid test measures the concentration of uric acid, a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines found in food and body tissues. Uric acid is normally filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine.
When production increases or excretion decreases, uric acid can accumulate in the blood. Persistently high levels may lead to crystal formation in joints (gout) or contribute to kidney stones and renal strain.
This test is commonly used in rheumatology, kidney assessment, and metabolic health evaluation.
Why do I need a Uric Acid test?
Abnormal uric acid levels can cause symptoms or remain silent until complications occur. Testing helps identify risk early and supports targeted follow-up.
You may need this test if you experience:
- Sudden joint pain, redness, or swelling (often the big toe)
- Recurrent joint inflammation
- Kidney stones or flank pain
- Reduced kidney function
- High-protein or purine-rich diet
- Metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance
- Monitoring gout or urate-lowering therapy
- Family history of gout
The test helps determine whether symptoms or risks are linked to elevated uric acid.
Benefits of the test
- Assesses gout risk
Identifies hyperuricaemia associated with gout. - Supports kidney health evaluation
High levels can stress renal filtration. - Helps investigate joint symptoms
Useful in inflammatory joint pain assessment. - Monitors treatment response
Tracks effectiveness of urate-lowering strategies. - Links to metabolic health
Elevated levels may reflect insulin resistance. - Simple blood-based testing
Requires only one blood sample. - Widely used clinically
Standard marker in gout and renal pathways. - Guides lifestyle review
Informs dietary and hydration considerations.
Step-by-step: How we offer testing
Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)
- Choose your nearest UK clinic
- Attend your appointment
- A clinician draws a blood sample
- Sample is sent to the laboratory
- Results are issued once analysis is complete
Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)
- Book a mobile phlebotomist
- Blood sample taken at your home or hotel
- No need to attend a clinic
- Sample securely transported to the laboratory
Your results explained
Low uric acid
- Below reference range
- UK standard (typical): <200 µmol/L
- Usually not clinically significant; may reflect diet or medication
Normal uric acid
- Within reference range
- UK standard (typical):
- Men: 200–430 µmol/L
- Women: 140–360 µmol/L
- Suggests balanced production and excretion
High uric acid (hyperuricaemia)
- Above reference range
- UK standard (typical):
- Men: >430 µmol/L
- Women: >360 µmol/L
- Increases risk of gout, kidney stones, and renal strain
Interpretation should consider symptoms, kidney function, and medications.
How It Works
Simple steps to get your results
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Choose your test online and book in seconds. Select your preferred clinic location or home visit option.
Visit or Test at Home
Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.
Get Your Results
Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.
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WhatsApp UsHow to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these guidelines for accurate results
Sample Timing
Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.
Fasting & Hydration
Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.
Medications & Supplements
Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.
Hormones & Menstrual Cycle
For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.