What is a uric acid test?
The Uric acid test measures the level of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a waste product from your body that is passed out in the urine. The waste product is created when the body breaks down purines from your diet. Purines are compounds that come out of cells when they die. Uric acid usually dissolves in blood. The uric acid is filtered out of your blood with the help of the kidneys and is passed out in the urine. The percentage of acid in the blood serum can adversely affect your joints. If the uric acid level is too high in the blood, the acid forms crystals and deposits around joints. These crystals affect the movement of the joints. The high amount of uric acid in the blood can lead to a condition called gout. High uric acid levels in blood composition can also cause kidney stones and, in severe cases, lead to kidney failure.
Why do doctors recommend uric acid tests?
The doctors will recommend a uric acid test under special conditions. For example, the uric acid test is done to check for gout. The test is often recommended, along with a synovial fluid analysis. Doctors also suggest the uric acid test during chemotherapy for cancer treatment. Chemotherapy is a process that attacks and kills cancer cells. When a large number of cancer cells die, they release a lot of purines, which and in turn, can also lead to a high level of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid test can detect a high blood uric acid level, and the doctor can start treatment of the condition along with cancer treatment. The test is also used to detect the risk a person has of developing kidney stones and kidney failure.
What are the symptoms of the uric acid test?
There are some signs and symptoms that lead to the development of uric acid complications, like gout. The signs and symptoms which indicate a uric acid test is as follows-
- Pain in the big toe and other joints– Gout affects different joints of the body. However, the joint that gets most affected because of uric acid crystals is the big toe. If you feel recurrent pain in the big toe and struggle with pain in joints such as toes, ankles, and knees, it can be a sign of gout.
- Swelling and redness– Inflammation due to high levels of uric acid around joints can manifest as swelling and redness around the joints. The doctor might suggest a uric acid test if he observes these symptoms.
- Feeling warm- The feeling of warmth around inflamed joints due to a uric acid deposition can also be a sign of gout and joint problems.
- Cancer treatment- if you have cancer and undergoing treatment, the doctor will suggest a uric acid test from time to time to monitor the level of uric acid from cell death.
These are the basic signs and symptoms for which doctors suggest a uric acid test. Apart from these symptoms, the signs of kidney stones like pain in the abdomen and blood in the urine may also require a uric acid test. The frequent urge to pass urine can also be a sign of kidney stones. Along with other tests for kidney stones, the doctor also suggests a uric acid test.
What is the cost of the uric acid test?
The uric acid test is affordable. The cost of the test ranges from rupees 50 to rupees 220. Depending on the laboratory you visit and the panel you opt for, the cost varies.
How is the test done?
The uric acid test is done on blood and urine samples. The lab professional will collect blood samples with the help of an intravenous syringe. The blood sample is tested in a laboratory. The blood sample collection process takes only a few minutes, and you will feel a bit of pain at the time of drawing the sample. However, there are no major risks from blood sample collection for uric acid tests.
The urine sample is collected in a special container. The doctor might suggest you stay away from certain medications during the uric acid test period.
Conclusion
Uric acid is a waste biochemical of the body, and its levels can indicate certain health conditions. In case of possible urine infections and kidney problems, the uric acid test is a must. To avoid and treat kidney stones, tests like uric acid tests are done. The uric acid test helps a doctor in the diagnosis of kidney health issues.
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