Uric Acid Blood Test for Gout
Feb 10, 2026
Uric Acid Blood Test for Gout
A uric acid blood test measures uric acid levels in your blood—elevated levels (hyperuricemia) can lead to gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis causing sudden, severe attacks of joint pain, swelling, and redness, most commonly affecting the big toe. High uric acid also increases kidney stone risk and may be associated with cardiovascular disease.
At Blood Test London, uric acid testing costs from £245 with results in 2-3 days.
Understanding Uric Acid
Uric acid is a waste product created when your body breaks down purines (found in certain foods and produced naturally by the body). Normally, it dissolves in blood, passes through kidneys, and leaves in urine.
Problems Occur When:
Body produces too much uric acid
Kidneys don't excrete enough
Crystals form in joints (gout)
Crystals form in kidneys (stones)
Normal Uric Acid Levels
Category | Normal Range |
|---|---|
Men | 200-430 μmol/L |
Women | 140-360 μmol/L |
Target for gout patients | Below 300 μmol/L |
Gout risk increases significantly above 420 μmol/L
Signs of High Uric Acid
Gout Attack Symptoms
Sudden, severe joint pain (often wakes you at night)
Swelling and redness
Joint feels hot
Extreme tenderness (even light touch hurts)
Most commonly affects big toe
Can affect ankles, knees, wrists, fingers
Other Signs
Kidney stones
Tophi (uric acid deposits under skin)
Joint damage over time if untreated
Who Should Test?
History of gout attacks
Joint pain (especially sudden onset)
Family history of gout
Kidney stones
Taking medications that affect uric acid
Monitoring treatment effectiveness
Metabolic syndrome, obesity
High blood pressure
Kidney disease
What Causes High Uric Acid?
Diet Factors
Red meat
Organ meats (liver, kidney)
Seafood (especially shellfish)
Alcohol (especially beer)
Sugary drinks (fructose)
Medical Factors
Kidney disease
Certain medications (diuretics)
Obesity
High blood pressure
Metabolic syndrome
Psoriasis
Rapid weight loss
How to Lower Uric Acid
Dietary Changes
Reduce | Why |
|---|---|
Red meat | High in purines |
Organ meats | Very high in purines |
Shellfish | High in purines |
Beer | Worst alcohol for gout |
Sugary drinks | Fructose raises uric acid |
Increase | Why |
|---|---|
Water | Helps excrete uric acid |
Cherries | May reduce attacks |
Coffee | Associated with lower levels |
Vitamin C | May help excretion |
Low-fat dairy | Protective effect |
Lifestyle
Maintain healthy weight
Lose weight gradually (rapid loss can trigger attacks)
Stay hydrated
Limit alcohol
Medications (If Needed)
Allopurinol (reduces production)
Febuxostat (reduces production)
Colchicine (prevents/treats attacks)
NSAIDs (for acute attacks)
Book Your Uric Acid Test
Price: From £245
Results: 2-3 days
Doctor review: A doctor always reviews every result
Fasting required: No (but morning is preferred)
Phone: 020 3951 3429
FAQ
Can I have high uric acid without gout?
Yes—many people have high uric acid (hyperuricemia) without ever having a gout attack. But risk increases with level.
Should I test during a gout attack?
Interestingly, uric acid can be normal or even low during an acute attack. Test when stable for accurate baseline.
How often should I monitor?
If on treatment for gout: every 6-12 months. Otherwise: when symptomatic or annually if at risk.
Is gout serious?
Untreated, it can cause permanent joint damage and kidney problems. Well-managed, it's very controllable.
Blood Test London by The Wellness. Uric acid testing from £245, results in 2-3 days.