Uric acid is a waste product from purine breakdown. Elevated levels can cause gout (painful joint inflammation) and may indicate kidney problems or increased cardiovascular risk.
Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines—substances found in certain foods (red meat, organ meats, shellfish, beer) and naturally in body tissues. Normally, uric acid dissolves in blood, passes through the kidneys, and is excreted in urine.
When uric acid levels get too high (hyperuricemia), it can:
- Crystallize in joints, causing gout—an intensely painful form of arthritis
- Form kidney stones
- Indicate reduced kidney function (kidneys excrete uric acid)
- Suggest increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk
Elevated uric acid is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, hypertension, and kidney disease. Some research links it to cardiovascular events independent of traditional risk factors.
Low uric acid (hypouricemia) is less common but can occur with certain genetic conditions, liver disease, or medication effects.
Price
$5
Results
1 days
Lab Network
Quest
Fasting
Not Required
What's Measured
What This Test Measures
This test measures the concentration of uric acid in your blood, reported in mg/dL. Normal ranges: Men 3.4-7.0 mg/dL, Women 2.4-6.0 mg/dL. Gout risk increases significantly above 6.8-7.0 mg/dL, where uric acid crystals can form.
Who Should Consider This Test
People with joint pain (especially big toe), those with history of gout or kidney stones, individuals with kidney disease, people on diuretics or chemotherapy, those with metabolic syndrome or diabetes, and anyone with a diet high in purines or alcohol.
Health Insights
Conditions Screened
Related Symptoms
When to Get Tested
No fasting required, though some providers prefer fasting for consistency. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing. During an acute gout attack, uric acid may paradoxically be normal; test 2 weeks after the attack resolves for accurate baseline.
Understanding Your Results
Levels above 6.8-7.0 mg/dL significantly increase gout risk. Men: >7.0 mg/dL is elevated. Women: >6.0 mg/dL is elevated. Very high levels (>9-10 mg/dL) warrant evaluation for underlying causes. Target for gout patients is typically <6.0 mg/dL to prevent crystal formation.
What to Expect
After placing your order, you'll receive an email from Rupa Health (our lab order partner) within 24 business hours to sign a consent form and schedule your blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics location.
The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 1 business days and will appear in your secure Justlabs dashboard.
Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
$5
Typical hospital cash price: $150–$250
+ $28 in standard lab & physician fees at checkout (no additional bills later)
$18 lab collection + $10 physician order
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure if this is the right test for you? Take our quick questionnaire.
Take the QuizRelated Tests
BMP
Basic Metabolic Panel
$6
Measures 8 substances including glucose, electrolytes, and kidney function markers.
Biomarkers:
Glucose, BUN, Creatinine +6 more
CMP
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
$9.5
Measures 14 substances including glucose, electrolytes, kidney and liver function markers.
Biomarkers:
Glucose, BUN, Creatinine +13 more
Lipid Panel
Lipid Panel (Standard)
$7
Standard cholesterol panel including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. Essential for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Biomarkers:
Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL +2 more
$5
+ $28 in fees