What is this test?
This blood test is used to check for gout and also monitor people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer.
 
Sample required
Blood.
 
Patient preparation
No specific patient preparation protocol is required. Inform your doctor if you are on any medications or have any underlying medical conditions or allergies before undergoing this test.
 
Turn-around time (How long does it take?)
3 Hours.
 
Basis of the Test
Uric acid is produced by the breakdown of purines. Purines are nitrogen-containing compounds found in the cells of the body, including our DNA. If too much uric acid is produced or not enough is removed, it can accumulate in the body, causing increased levels in the blood (hyperuricemia). The presence of excess uric acid can cause gout, a condition characterized by inflammation of the joints due to the formation of uric acid crystals in the joint (synovial) fluid. Excess uric acid can also be deposited in tissues such as the kidney, leading to kidney stones or kidney failure.