A patient seated in the chair before a blood draw
In person

Uric Acid

A waste product tied to gout and kidney stones, from one draw.

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  • 2,000+ lab locations. Find one near you
  • Nothing due at the lab. FSA / HSA accepted
  • Ordered by a licensed clinician

At a glance

Collection
Blood draw
A standard blood draw at the lab.
Preparation
None
Nothing to do ahead of time. Water is fine.
Results
1 to 2 days
Typical turnaround after your visit.
Where
2,000+ lab locations
Nationwide, with nothing due at the lab.

About this test

Uric acid is a waste product made when your body breaks down purines, which come from your own cells and from some foods. The kidneys clear much of it into urine. High levels can form crystals, so this test is often checked when gout or kidney stones are a question. No fasting is needed.

For adults 18 and older. Test availability varies by lab location.

Who should take this test?

This test is for adults who want to check uric acid, often when gout or kidney stones are a question, or to follow a known level with a healthcare provider.

Ask about this test

Not sure this is the right test?

AI-generated. For information only, not medical advice. Call 911 for an emergency.

What does this test measure?

Your result shows how much uric acid is in your blood, which can help you and a healthcare provider look at gout and kidney stone questions and follow a level over time.

Uric acid
Uric acid forms when your body breaks down purines, substances found in your cells and in some foods and drinks. Most of it leaves through your kidneys. Levels can rise with kidney changes, diet, alcohol, and some medicines, and the result is often checked when gout or kidney stones are a question.
Why it’s measured: Often checked when gout, kidney stones, or kidney changes are a question.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Order online

    Check out here. A licensed clinician in your state reviews your order and sends it to the lab.

  2. Step 2

    Visit a lab

    Bring a photo ID to any of 2,000+ lab locations. No fasting needed, and nothing is due at the lab.

  3. Step 3

    Get your results

    Results post to your account, usually in 1 to 2 days, each number next to the lab’s reference range.

Find a lab near you

Choose from 2,000+ lab locations nationwide. Your order works at any of them.

What your results tell you

Uric acid is reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and compared with the lab’s reference range, which is shown on your report.

  • Your number next to the lab’s reference range
  • Explained in plain language
  • A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test.
  • A lab report you can download and share

A uric acid level does not diagnose gout by itself, so talk with a healthcare provider about your result and any joint symptoms.

Clinical-grade testing, from the comfort of home.

From the lab to your report, every step of our process meets the gold standard in medical testing.

  • CLIA-certified labs

    Every lab we partner with is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, meeting both state and federal standards with regular independent inspections.

  • We protect your health data

    We protect your health data with encryption and do not sell it. Some results must be reported to public health authorities by law. See our Privacy Notice.

  • Rigorous quality assurance

    All partner labs run regular internal quality checks, participate in proficiency testing, and comply with federal and state lab regulations.

  • Clinician-reviewed reports

    Results are reviewed by an independent, licensed clinician.

Questions

Common questions.

Anything else, our care team answers by phone, text, or email.

Uric acid forms when your body breaks down purines, natural substances found in your cells and in some foods and drinks. Much of it dissolves in the blood and leaves through the kidneys in urine. When there is more than the body can clear, it can form crystals in joints or the kidneys.

Not necessarily. High uric acid and gout are linked, but they are not the same thing. Some people with high levels have no symptoms, and levels can be within the range during a flare. A healthcare provider makes a diagnosis based on symptoms, an exam, and sometimes other tests.

A hot, swollen, very painful joint, especially with a fever, needs prompt medical care rather than waiting on a test.

Uric acid can rise when the kidneys clear less of it or when the body makes more of it. Foods and drinks rich in purines, alcohol, and dehydration can play a part. It is also checked for some kidney and metabolic conditions. A healthcare provider reads your result with your history.

Lab tests are informational and don’t diagnose conditions on their own. Available to adults 18 and older; test availability varies by lab location. A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test. All testing is performed at CLIA-certified laboratories. Not for emergencies: if you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.