Uric Acid Blood Test: High Uric Acid and Gout Explained

Uric acid blood test: what it measures and what your result means

Medically reviewed by Dr Lebeth Jacob · 21 October 2026

Quick answer: Uric acid is a waste product made when your body breaks down purines, which are found in your cells and in foods such as red meat, offal, seafood and beer. Your kidneys remove most of it. A high level can form crystals in the joints, causing gout, or lead to kidney stones. Many people with high uric acid never get either.

What is uric acid?

Purines are natural substances in every cell of your body and in many foods. When they're broken down, uric acid is left over. It dissolves in the blood and passes out in urine.

If your body makes too much, or your kidneys don't clear enough, the level rises. Above a certain point it can form sharp crystals, which collect in joints or the kidneys.

Why is uric acid tested?

You've had sudden, painful, swollen joints, often the big toe
You've had gout before and want to check your level, or whether treatment is working
You've had kidney stones
You drink alcohol regularly, eat a lot of meat or seafood, or are overweight
You take water tablets (diuretics), or have kidney disease or high blood pressure

What does a high uric acid result mean?

A high result means uric acid is building up faster than your body clears it. Common reasons are:

Alcohol, especially beer and spirits
A diet high in red meat, offal and some seafood
Sugary drinks and foods high in fructose
Being overweight
Kidney disease, or not drinking enough fluids
Some medicines, such as water tablets and low-dose aspirin
Your genes: gout often runs in families

A high uric acid level on its own isn't gout. Gout is diagnosed from your symptoms, and a doctor may check your level again once an attack has settled.

What does a low uric acid result mean?

A low result is uncommon and not usually a concern. It can happen with medicines that lower uric acid, such as allopurinol, and rarely with some kidney or liver conditions.

What can affect your result?

Alcohol, or a large meal of meat or seafood, in the day before the test can raise it
Being dehydrated raises it
Fasting or crash dieting can raise it
During a gout attack, uric acid can read lower than usual. Doctors often retest a few weeks after it settles.

When to see a GP

Your results report shows the laboratory's normal range and flags any result outside it. Speak to your GP if:

Your uric acid is flagged high, especially if you've had joint pain or kidney stones
You get sudden attacks of pain, swelling and redness in a joint
You have pain in your side or back, or blood in your urine

Get medical help the same day (GP or NHS 111) if a joint is hot, swollen and painful and you also have a high temperature or feel unwell. This needs checking for infection.

How we test uric acid

You can have uric acid tested with a blood sample taken at one of our 250+ partner clinics, or with a finger-prick kit at home. Samples are analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. Results are usually ready in 3–5 working days, with a doctor's comments on every result.

Tests that include uric acid

Prices for in-clinic tests include your appointment. Compare every test with uric acid in the biomarker explorer

Frequently asked questions

What level of uric acid is dangerous?

There is no single dangerous number. The higher the level, the more likely crystals are to form. Whether it needs treatment depends on your symptoms, such as gout attacks or kidney stones, and on your kidney health. Discuss a flagged result with your GP.

How can I reduce my uric acid?

Cut down on alcohol, especially beer and spirits. Eat less red meat, offal and shellfish, and avoid sugary drinks. Lose extra weight gradually rather than crash dieting, and drink plenty of water. If you get repeated gout attacks, a GP may prescribe a daily medicine to lower uric acid.

Which foods should I avoid with high uric acid?

The main ones are offal (such as liver and kidneys), red meat, game, shellfish, oily fish such as sardines, anchovies and mackerel, yeast extracts, beer and sugary drinks. You don't need to cut out fish completely; eating it in moderation is fine for most people.

Does high uric acid mean I have gout?

No. Many people with high uric acid never get gout. Gout is diagnosed when uric acid crystals cause attacks of joint pain and swelling.

Can high uric acid be cured permanently?

It can be kept under control. Lifestyle changes lower it for some people. Others need a daily medicine, such as allopurinol, which keeps uric acid down for as long as it's taken.