- September 21, 2016
- Posted by: emobile
- Category: Hints, Trending Topic
Emobileclinic Trending Topic
One of the chemicals found in the body is uric acid which is responsible for the breakdown of foods that have organic compound known as purines. The measurement of purines content in the blood is known through uric acid blood test often referred to as serum uric acid measurement. The test shows the process and how the body produces and removes uric acid. Foods and beverages that contain high purine are wine, beer, liver, mackerel, and dried beans to mention a few.
It is instructive to note that the body naturally has a process of breaking down this substance which is found in the blood, filtered in the kidneys and excreted through urine. The level of uric acid in the blood may be either high or low.
Uses
Uric acid test is useful in the following ways:
Diagnosing, evaluation and management of patient with gout
Management of people on chemotherapy or radiation treatment
Evaluation of kidney function following an injury
Determination of the cause of kidney stones
Kidney disorders diagnosis
You may need a uric acid test if:
How to prepare?
There are some factors that may influence the outcome of the uric acid test; it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption, use of aspirin and ibuprofen, high dosage of vitamin C and dyes used in X-ray tests in order to have a reliable and correct result. Avoiding food and drink for at least four hours before the test is highly recommended.
Implications of the result
Uric acid levels are gender sensitive. The normal values for men are 4.0 to 8.5 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) while 2.5 o 7.5 mg/dL are for women according to the Clinical Reference Laboratory (CRL).
The major health concern is when the high levels of uric acid which is prevalent than low levels of uric acid.
High uric acid levels in the blood suggest that one may be suffering from any of the following serious health conditions including: gout, diabetes, leukemia, chemotherapy treatment, kidney stones, multiple myeloma and metastasized cancer among others.
On the other hand, low levels of uric acid in the blood are indicative of an inherited disorder leading to build up of copper in the tissue, high consumption of alcohol, kidney disorder, liver and kidney disease and so on.
Possible risks associated with Uric Acid Blood Test
The associated risk with this procedure may include discomfort from where the blood is drawn, bleeding, fainting, hematoma and possible infection at the puncture area if left untreated. However, the process of collecting blood and the test itself is generally safe.
What to do after the test?
Depending on the outcome of the test, the doctor will prescribed appropriate treatments while some may not require treatment.
Medications may be taken to reduce pain and inflammation in case of gout.
Lifestyle and dietary changes to minimize purines in case of chronic uric acid kidney stones.
Regular uric acid blood tests are needed for people on chemotherapy treatments
