Uric Acid
Alternate Names : Serum Uric Acid, Serum Urate
This test measures the amount of uric acid that is in the
blood. Uric acid is a product of the breakdown of proteins in the body.
Who is a candidate for the test?
A doctor may order this test when a person has symptoms of
arthritis or gout. He or she may also order this test when a person has kidney disease.
How is the test performed?
In order to measure the amount of uric acid in the blood, a blood
sample is taken from a vein on the forearm or hand. First, the skin over the vein
is cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a rubber tube called a tourniquet is tied
around the upper arm. This enlarges the veins in the lower arm by restricting
blood flow through them. A fine needle is gently inserted into a vein, and the
tourniquet is removed. Blood flows from the vein through the needle and is
collected in a syringe or vial for testing in the laboratory. After the needle is
withdrawn, the puncture site is covered for a short time to prevent bleeding.
|