What does the Serum Uric Acid test measure?

Why is Serum Uric Acid measured?

Serum uric acid is the principal biochemical measure in the assessment of gout and hyperuricaemia, and is used to investigate urate nephrolithiasis and to monitor urate-lowering therapy. Elevated levels are associated with metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and cardiovascular and renal risk, though hyperuricaemia alone is not diagnostic of gout. It is also monitored in tumour lysis syndrome and during cytotoxic therapy, where rapid cell turnover raises urate sharply.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Adult males: 3.4–7.0 mg/dL (202–416 µmol/L); adult females: 2.4–6.0 mg/dL (143–357 µmol/L) # REVIEWER FLAG: Reference intervals are sex- and assay-dependent — reviewer to confirm against Access Medical Laboratories' assay-specific ranges.

Functional medicine optimal

Treatment target in gout is typically <6.0 mg/dL, and <5.0 mg/dL where tophi are present # REVIEWER FLAG: Urate-lowering treatment targets are guideline-based therapeutic goals, not population optimal ranges — reviewer to confirm framing.

Units

µmol/L, mg/dL

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.