Blood Tests for Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals building up in a joint, classically the big toe, with sudden pain, swelling and redness. A high blood uric acid level (hyperuricemia) is the main risk factor, but a blood test alone does not diagnose gout: many people with high uric acid never get it, and uric acid can read normal during a flare. Labs help your clinician put the picture together. Uric acid shows your baseline, kidney function matters because the kidneys clear uric acid, and inflammation markers show how active the flare is. If you are already treated for gout, regular uric acid tests track whether you are at the level your clinician is aiming for. With JustLabs, you can order these tests online at transparent cash prices, with no doctor visit or insurance required.
Recommended Tests
Includes all 4 recommended tests below.
All 4 recommended tests
$37.50 + one $18 order fee = $55.50 all-in
What a uric acid test can and cannot tell you
- During a flare
- Uric acid can read normal or even low while a joint is inflamed. If it does, recheck about 2 weeks after the flare settles before reading anything into it.
- To confirm gout
- The definitive test is finding urate crystals in fluid drawn from the joint. A clinician may also use ultrasound or a dual-energy CT scan. Blood tests support the diagnosis, they do not make it.
- High uric acid, no symptoms
- Common, and most people with it never get gout. Guidelines generally do not recommend treating it with medicine on its own; it is worth knowing about and discussing with your clinician.
- Already on treatment for gout
- The American College of Rheumatology guideline compares uric acid with a target below 6 mg/dL. How to get there, and how often to check, is a decision for you and your clinician.
Understanding Your Results
| Test | Normal Range | Low Means | High Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uric acid | Varies by lab and sex; your report shows the range | Low gout risk (a normal result during a flare does not rule gout out) | Hyperuricemia; above about 6.8 mg/dL urate can form crystals |
| Creatinine / eGFR | eGFR above 60 mL/min/1.73m² | A low eGFR means reduced kidney function, which can raise uric acid | Normal filtration |
| hs-CRP | Under 1.0 mg/L (low cardiovascular risk) | Little inflammation | Inflammation, often very high during a flare |
| ESR (sed rate) | Varies by age and sex | Little inflammation | Inflammation from a flare or another cause |
How to Order
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Content reviewed for accuracy by the JustLabs editorial team.