Gout Test | Uric Acid Test

Gout (Uric Acid) Test

Measure the level of uric acid in your blood, which is useful for diagnosing and monitoring gout and kidney stones. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. This test does not require fasting.

Test type: In Person

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$42.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

Measures the level of uric acid in your blood.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Blood

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.

About the Test

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe and often at night. Gout can develop in individuals who have high levels of uric acid in the blood.

Our Uric Acid Test identifies whether you have abnormal uric acid levels in your blood. Uric acid is a normal waste product in your blood. The body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines, substances found in the cells of the body and in the food we eat. Most uric acid dissolves in blood, travels to the kidneys, and is removed from the body in urine. However, if too much uric acid builds up in the blood it can form into crystals in the joints, causing gout, a common and complex form of arthritis. These crystals can also settle into the kidneys and form kidney stones, or in extreme cases, cause kidney failure.

Uric acid is a normal waste product created when the body breaks down certain substances known as purines The body’s cells use purines to form the building blocks for DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acids), which carry the essential genetic instructions for life.

High levels of purines are also found in certain foods, such as liver, anchovies, codfish, sardines, dried beans, and alcoholic beverages, particularly beer. Consuming these foods may cause an increase in uric acid levels within the body. In most cases, uric acid is transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is filtered and eliminated from the body through urine. Sometimes the body produces too much uric acid, or the kidneys cannot eliminate it effectively, resulting in the formation of crystals in certain joints, causing gout. Abnormally high uric acid levels can also cause kidney stones, renal failure, or other health conditions.

Our test detects levels of uric acid in the blood. Healthcare providers use this test to help screen for, diagnose, or monitor certain health conditions, such as gout, kidney disease, or the effects of certain medications.

Abnormally high levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia) can be present without causing any apparent signs and symptoms (asymptomatic) or may cause a range of signs and symptoms, such as:

Painful, stiff, or swollen joints
Redness around swollen joints
Joints that are warm to the touch
Sudden, severe attacks of pain in the big toe or other joints, such as the ankle or knee
Back or side (flank) pain
Urine that is cloudy, has an unusual odor, or contains blood
Frequent urination
Nausea or vomiting
Recurring kidney stones

Contact physician if severe symptoms occur.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. This test does not require fasting.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

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Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

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Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

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After you make a purchase, Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

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In-home sample collection is not available in all locations.
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FAQs

What is gout?

Gout is an intensely painful and potentially disabling form of arthritis. It is characterized by sudden attacks of severe pain and swelling in joints, particularly the big toe, knee, or ankle; joints that feel warm to the touch; shiny, reddish skin around the joints; and limited range of motion. Gout occurs when excess uric acid collects in the body, and needle-like urate crystals (monosodium urate) deposit in the joints resulting in a strong inflammatory response.

In most cases, uric acid is transported through the blood to the kidneys, which filter and eliminate it from the body through urine. Yet sometimes the body produces excessively high levels of uric acid or the kidneys are unable to eliminate it effectively, resulting in the formation of crystals in certain joints and causing gout.

What are uric acid kidney stones?

Excess uric acid can become concentrated in the urine and crystallize into kidney stones, impairing proper kidney function. These stones form when uric acid levels in the urine are too high (uricosuria) or when the urine is too acidic.

What are the risk factors for developing gout or uric acid kidney stones?

The following factors may increase your risk of developing hyperuricemia, which may cause gout or uric acid kidney stones:

Being overweight or obese
Drinking alcohol
Living with certain chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, diabetes, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or hemolytic disorders
Receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Eating a purine-rich diet
Consuming foods and drinks high in sugar
Being affected by lead toxicity or lead poisoning

How can I lower my levels of uric acid?

You may be able to lower your uric acid levels by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. In addition, avoiding or limiting purine-rich foods, such as red meat, liver, sardines, lobster, crab, and alcohol, particularly beer, may help lower your uric acid levels.

What is the difference between gout and hyperuricemia?

Hyperuricemia is a sign indicating an abnormally high uric acid level in the blood, which may be associated with different medical conditions. Gout occurs when excess uric acid forms uric acid crystals in joints. Hyperuricemia does not always result in gout, although it can lead to gout and kidney stones.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Gout (Uric Acid) Test