Uric Acid Test

This blood test measures uric acid levels. Uric acid measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of gout, renal failure, and a variety of other disorders including psoriasis, starvation, and other wasting conditions. Uric acid is a chemical compound that is created when the body breaks down purine compounds.

Purines and uric acid are found in some high-protein foods and some drinks:

• Yeast
• Organ meats; Liver, Kidney
• Anchovies, Sardines, Mackerel, Herring
• Mussels
• Dried beans/peas
• Beer

Most uric acid dissolves in blood and travels to the kidneys to be filtered into the urine. If your body produces too much uric acid and/or doesn't remove enough if it, you can become ill. Hyperuricemia is a condition in which there is a high level of uric acid in the blood.