Serum Uric Acid

Function

Uric acid is a waste product created when the body breaks down purines—natural substances found in the body's cells and in many foods (like red meat, organ meats, and seafood). Most uric acid dissolves in the blood, travels to the kidneys, and leaves the body through urine. If the body produces too much or the kidneys excrete too little, uric acid levels rise.

Why it is Ordered

The primary reason for ordering this test is to diagnose and monitor Gout, a form of arthritis characterized by the crystallization of uric acid in the joints. It is also used to monitor patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation (which causes rapid cell turnover and purine release) and to investigate the cause of recurrent kidney stones.

Associated Conditions

• Gout: High levels lead to needle-like crystals in joints (often the big toe).
• Urolithiasis (Kidney Stones): Uric acid crystals can form stones in the urinary tract.
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome: A medical emergency where cancer treatment causes a massive release of uric acid into the blood.
• Renal Failure: The kidneys lose the ability to clear uric acid from the bloodstream.

Dietary Impacts

Diet plays a significant role in uric acid levels. High-fructose corn syrup, alcohol (especially beer), and purine-rich foods can significantly spike levels, making dietary management a cornerstone of treatment for hyperuricemia.