Uric acid is a waste product made when the body breaks down purines, found in your cells and in foods such as red meat, organ meats and some seafood.
- Normal range (adults)
- Men 3.5–7.2 mg/dL (208–428 µmol/L) · Women 2.5–6 mg/dL (149–357 µmol/L)
- Sample
- Blood
- Fasting
- Not usually needed
- Also called
- Serum Uric Acid, S.Uric Acid, UA, Urate, Uricemia
Uric Acid normal range
| Group | mg/dLConventional units: US, South Asia | µmol/LSI units: UK, Europe, Australia, international |
|---|---|---|
| Men | 3.5–7.2 | 208–428 |
| Women | 2.5–6 | 149–357 |
Your report may use either unit system; labs in the Gulf often print both. Ranges also vary slightly between laboratories, so the range printed on your own report is the one to go by.
Why is the Uric Acid test done?
It is checked for gout, kidney stones, and as part of kidney and metabolic health screening.
What does a high Uric Acid level mean?
High uric acid can form crystals in joints (gout, with sudden painful swelling, often in the big toe) and stones in the kidneys. Many people with high uric acid never get gout.
Common causes
- Diet rich in red meat, organ meats, anchovies, sardines and shellfish
- Sugary drinks and fructose
- Alcohol, especially beer
- Overweight and insulin resistance
- Kidney disease
- Water pills (diuretics)
- Dehydration
Diet and lifestyle tips
- Drink 2 to 3 litres of water a day unless your doctor limits fluids
- Cut organ meats (liver, kidney), red meat portions and shellfish
- Avoid sugary and fructose-sweetened drinks and limit fruit juice
- Avoid alcohol, especially beer
- Low-fat dairy and cherries may help lower levels
- Lose weight gradually; crash diets can trigger gout attacks
What does a low Uric Acid level mean?
Low uric acid is uncommon and usually not a problem.
Common causes
- Low-purine diet
- Some medicines
- Rare kidney or liver conditions
Diet and lifestyle tips
- No action usually needed
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor promptly for a hot, swollen, painful joint. Recurrent gout or kidney stones may need long-term medicine.
Last updated
This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Normal ranges differ between laboratories, so always compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report, and discuss abnormal results with your doctor.