URIC ACID

Uric Acid Fluid Conventional SI Units

Males 3.1-7.0 mg/dl 0.18-0.41 μmol/L
Females Serum 2.5-5.6 mg/dl 0.15-0.33 μmol/L
Child 2.5–5.5 mg/dL 0.12–0.32 mmol/L

Critical Levels: > 12 mg/dL

Red – Top Tube.

 Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism.
 Useful to assess for gout and to monitor patients with renal failure
or to monitor if uric acid levels are too high after chemotherapy or
radiation.

Elevated in:

Renal failure, gout, excessive cell Iysis (chemotherapeutic agents,

radiation therapy, leukemia, Iymphoma, hemolytic anemia), hereditary
enzyme deficiency (hypoxanthine-guanine-phosphoribosyl transferase)
acidosis, myeloproliferative disorders, diet high in purines or protein
drugs (diuretics, low doses of ASA, ethambutol, nicotinic acid), lead
poisoning, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, nephrogenic diabetes
insipidus, active psoriasis, polycystic kidneys

Decreased in:
Drugs (allopurinol, high doses of ASA, probenecid, warfarin,
corticosteroid), deficiency of xanthine oxidase, SIADH, renal tubular
deficits (Fanconi's syndrome), alcoholism, liver disease, diet deficient in
protein or purines, Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis.

URIC ACID
Uric acid is the end product purine metabolism. High levels are
seen in gout, infections, high protein diets, and kidney disease. Low
levels generally indicate protein and molybdenum (trace mineral)
deficiency, liver damage or an overly acid kidney.

Clinical Female Range: 2.4-6.0 mg/dL

Clinical Male Range: 3.4-7.0 mg/dL
Optimal Female Range: 3.0-5.5 mg/dL
Optimal Male Adult Range: 3.5-5.9 mg/dL
Red Flag Range: <2 mg/dL or >9.0 mg/dL

Common Causes of Uric Acid Increase:

Gout, kidney problems, arteriosclerosis, arthritis Less Common Causes
of Uric Acid Increase: Metallic poisoning (mercury, lead), intestinal
obstruction, leukemia, polycythemia, malignant tumors, drug diuretics
Common Causes of Uric Acid Decrease: Chronic B-12 or folate anemia,
pregnancy

Less Common Causes of Uric Acid Increase:

Salicylate and atrophine therapy
Nutrition Tip:
If the uric acid is low with a normal MCV and MCH, a molybdenum
deficiency may be present.

References:
1. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th edi.
2. Harsh Mohan Textbook of Pathology, 6th edi.
3. The Simplified Patient Reference Guide.
4. Lab Notes Guide to Lab and diagnostic Tests.