Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Uric Acid: What Does This Test Measure?

Measures uric acid in blood, a waste product created when purines are broken down.

Test summary

Test name: Uric Acid
Abbreviations: UA, Urate
Category: Metabolism / Purine & Kidney
Panel: Metabolic / Renal Assessment
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: mg/dL, µmol/L

What does the test measure?

Measures uric acid in blood, a waste product created when purines are broken down.

Why is the test ordered?

Used to assess or monitor hyperuricemia, gout, selected kidney stones and situations with rapid cell breakdown.

Information about a low result

Low uric acid is less common and can occur with some medicines, nutritional/metabolic conditions or increased renal excretion.

Information about a high result

High uric acid may result from increased production or reduced kidney excretion and can be associated with gout or kidney problems; not every high value means gout.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit and specimen conditions. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference range 1

>= 3 – <= 7.1 mg/dL

Population: Adult women
Sex: Female
Age range: 18
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Example interval for adult women

The source presents these values as a common example reference interval. Laboratory method, age and clinical context can change the range; the user's own report takes priority.

Reference range 2

>= 4 – <= 8.6 mg/dL

Population: Adult men
Sex: Male
Age range: 18
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Example interval for adult men

The source presents these values as a common example reference interval. Laboratory method, age and clinical context can change the range; the user's own report takes priority.

Reference context 3

< 6 mg/dL

Population: People treated for gout
Age range: 18
Specimen: Serum / plasma

Common gout treatment target

This is not a general-population reference interval; it is a common clinical treatment target in gout. Individual targets are set by the healthcare professional.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Reference intervals can differ by sex and laboratory. A treatment target for gout is a clinical target, not the same as a general-population reference interval.

Related specialties

Rheumatology
Nephrology
Internal Medicine
Family Medicine

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

Sources

Creatinine Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Creatinine limitations and use with eGFR, BUN and urine testing · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Uric Acid Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · Uric acid interpretation, sex-specific example intervals and gout treatment targets · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Estimated GFR Calculators / Laboratory Evaluation — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
U.S. government medical reference · 2026 · Creatinine-based eGFR, race-free CKD-EPI recommendation and limitations · Verified: Aug 12, 2026