Uric Acid

The Uric Acid test measures the level of uric acid in your blood, a waste product formed naturally when your body breaks down purines — compounds found in your own cells as well as certain foods.

Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and is filtered out through the kidneys into urine, but when the body produces too much or the kidneys can't clear it efficiently enough, uric acid crystals can form and deposit in joints and tissues, causing the intensely painful condition known as gout.

Beyond gout, uric acid levels are also relevant to kidney stone formation and, more recently, have been studied as a possible marker linked to cardiovascular and metabolic health.

This test is quick, requires only a standard blood draw, and is often ordered alongside kidney function tests since the two are closely related.