Uric acid

Understanding the marker

Urate, or uric acid, forms when the body breaks down substances from its own cells and food. Its blood level is used in the assessment of gout and other specific clinical questions.

Urate is used in selected gout and stone assessments and to monitor urate-lowering treatment. A high value does not diagnose gout, and a normal value during an acute attack does not exclude it. It is not a stand-alone cardiovascular or metabolic screening target.

What does high Uric acid mean?

A high urate result can contribute to the assessment of gout, but does not diagnose it by itself. Joint symptoms, kidney function, medicines and previous results help determine the meaning and any need for follow-up.

What does low Uric acid mean?

A low value is usually not a clinical concern; unusual or persistent findings are interpreted with medicines and medical history.