Gout Test (URIC ACID)

Gout is a kind of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in blood and causes joint inflammation.

  1. Acute gout is a painful condition that typically affects one joint.
  2. Chronic gout is repeated episodes of pain and inflammation, which may involve more than one joint.

Gout is caused by having higher-than-normal levels of uric acid in your body. This may occur if:

  1. Your body makes too much uric acid
  2. Your body has a hard time getting rid of uric acid

If too much uric acid builds up in the fluid around the joints (synovial fluid), uric acid crystals form. These crystals cause the joint to swell up and become inflamed.

This test checks to see how much uric acid you have in your blood.

Special Preparation: None

More Detailed Uric Acid Test Information