Biomarker . Patient guide
Uric acid Blood Test
What is Uric acid
Uric acid (urate) is the end product of the breakdown of purines, found in some foods and made by the body. When it builds up, it can crystallise in joints and cause gout, and it is linked to kidney stones and metabolic health.
This biomarker entry is being clinically reviewed by our team. The factual content draws on UK guidance (NICE, NHS, Royal Colleges and the relevant speciality society where cited).
Reference range
Reported in µmol/L (also seen as mg/dL (divide µmol/L by 59.48)). Final reports always carry the issuing laboratory's range, which is what your clinician will interpret against.
| Group | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Adult men | approx. 200 to 430 | µmol/L |
| Adult women | approx. 140 to 360 | µmol/L |
What it is
Purines from food (red meat, seafood, alcohol) and from normal cell turnover are broken down to uric acid, which the kidneys clear. If production is high or clearance is low, uric acid rises and can form crystals in joints (gout) or the urinary tract (stones).
Why a clinician would order it
Uric acid is checked to investigate gout or joint pain, to monitor urate-lowering treatment, in kidney stone work-ups, and as part of a metabolic-health assessment. A normal level does not rule out gout during an acute attack, when levels can temporarily fall.
If your level is outside the range
Symptoms of low Uric acid
What low can indicate. A low uric acid is usually harmless and can relate to certain medications or a low-purine diet.
Symptoms of high Uric acid
- Often none
- Gout: sudden severe joint pain, redness and swelling (often the big toe)
- Kidney stones: loin pain, blood in urine
What high can indicate. Gout risk, high purine or alcohol intake, reduced kidney clearance, certain diuretics, and links with metabolic syndrome. Not everyone with a high uric acid develops gout.
Testing tips
Ideally tested when not in an acute gout flare (levels can be misleadingly normal during an attack). Alcohol and a high-purine meal beforehand can raise the result.
Related markers
Sources
UK guidance our clinicians use when interpreting this marker.
This page is general patient information, not personal medical advice. A GMC-registered clinician will review your results and tailor any interpretation to you. See our Editorial Policy for how we write and review content.
Common questions about Uric acid
What is a normal Uric acid range?
Adult men: approx. 200 to 430 (µmol/L). Adult women: approx. 140 to 360 (µmol/L). Always interpret your own results against the laboratory range printed on your report, since assay-specific reference ranges vary.
What does a low Uric acid result mean?
A low uric acid is usually harmless and can relate to certain medications or a low-purine diet.
What does a high Uric acid result mean?
Gout risk, high purine or alcohol intake, reduced kidney clearance, certain diuretics, and links with metabolic syndrome. Not everyone with a high uric acid develops gout.
Do I need to fast or prepare for the Uric acid blood test?
Ideally tested when not in an acute gout flare (levels can be misleadingly normal during an attack). Alcohol and a high-purine meal beforehand can raise the result.
Can I order a Uric acid blood test privately in London?
Yes. WMG Health offers Uric acid as part of bespoke panels and several pre-built panels at our 134 Harley Street clinic. Results are clinician-reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor within 4 hours for the most common assays. All panels are custom-built around your specific question; bookings via /contact/ or 020 3239 3378.