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Hyperuricemia is a condition that occurs when the uric acid level in the blood increases. This acid is formed when purines in food like red meat and seafood break down in the body. Generally, it is removed from the body when a person urinates.
When low levels of uric acid are excreted, or the amount produced is high, it causes uricemia. This condition can lead to kidney disease, heart disease, and diabetes. A uric acid test determines the uric acid level in the blood and urine.
It helps to know how well the kidneys remove uric acid from the blood. Higher levels lead to the formation of crystals, leading to several health problems over time. Kidneys are important organs in the body.
Eating food rich in purines, obesity, diabetes, consuming excess alcohol, genetics, and renal insufficiency affects the kidney’s efficiency of removing uric acid in the blood. A blood test is required to measure the level of this acid.
It differs from routine blood tests and is also known as a serum urate test. The test results help doctors determine whether a person has any of the following health issues.
Gout: It is a form of arthritis caused by the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It leads to intense pain in the big toe, ankles, feet, hands, wrists, and knees. It may limit the range of motion by causing redness, joint stiffness, discomfort, and swelling.
Kidney stones: Small stones, known as kidney stones, are formed due to high uric acid levels. They cause severe pain in the lower back, blood in urine, stomach upset, and urgent need to urinate.
Tests to detect hypouricemia
A serum urate test determines uric acid levels in the blood. The test is done by collecting a blood sample from the vein. Usually, blood is drawn from the inner elbow or the back of the hand. A syringe is used to withdraw the blood from the vein. Before collecting the sample, the area is sterilized, and an elastic band is tied to let the blood fill the veins.
The urine sample is collected to determine the uric acid level in the urine. For doing this test, urine passed in 24 hours is collected. This sample is taken to the diagnostic laboratory to check for hypouricemia.
The normal uric acid levels are 1.5 to 6 mg/dL for women and 2.5 to 7 mg/dL for men. Higher levels increase the chances of toxins mixing with the bloodstream and collecting in the body, and hypouricemia causes kidney stones, diabetes, gout, and bone marrow disorders. Lower levels of uric acid cause Wilson’s disease and Fanconi syndrome.
Side effects: Usually, no side effects are caused by the blood test. There is a slight chance of bleeding, bruising, dizziness, or infection.
Test price
The uric acid test price in India ranges from Rs.100 to Rs.300. Normally, a kidney function test includes the test for hypouricemia. People planning to take this test must avoid consuming alcohol before and during the test. Labs provide the test results within 24 hours of sample collection.
Hypouricemia leads to several health issues. Though many treatments are available, there are natural remedies to control this condition. They are weight loss, diet control, insulin management, and drinking more water. Maintaining uric acid levels helps to live a healthy life.
