Kidney
Uric Acid — what it measures
For understanding, not diagnosis. Reference ranges differ between laboratories; the ranges on your own report, and your doctor’s reading of them, always come first.
What it measures
Uric acid is a waste product made when the body breaks down purines from food and its own cells. The kidneys remove most of it, so the blood level reflects both production and kidney excretion.
What can skew it
Dehydration, alcohol, high-purine meals, rapid weight loss and some medicines can raise uric acid temporarily.
Reference ranges
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and sex, and a single high value does not diagnose any condition, so interpret it only with your own report's range and your clinician.
Medical disclaimer: This page is educational only. It cannot tell you whether your result is normal or what to do about it — that is a decision for your doctor, with your full history.