What is it?

Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are normally produced in the body and also enter the system via your normal diet/food intake. Higher concentrations of purines are normally found in liver, fish, beans and peas as well as alcoholic beverages.

Reference ranges

If your indicative uric acid level is lower than the reference range for our laboratory:

Low uric acid levels may indicate liver function problems and are also seein as a result of a low protein diet. Some types of cancer can also show up with a lower uric acid concentrations.

Quite a lot of medicines can result in lowered levels of uric acid, they can be caused by high doses of aspirin and corticosteroids.

Your should discuss these results with your GP.

If your indicative uric acid is higher than the reference range for our laboratory:

Raised uric acid levels may be seen in renal failure. Raised levels are also seen with excessive use of alcohol, malnutrition or a very high-protein diet. Extreme and strenuous exercise can also raise uric acid levels.

Same as lowered levels, medicines can raise the levels of uric acid, for example use of diuretics, theophylline and aspirin.

Please discuss this result with your GP.