What it means
The end product of breaking down purines, which come from the body's own cells and from foods such as red meat, organ meats, some seafood, beer and sweet drinks. The kidneys pass most of it in the urine. A high blood level can form crystals in joints (goutgowtA form of arthritis in which crystals of uric acid collect in and around a joint.Full entry ) or kidney stones. Levels rise with kidney disease, some diuretics and the rapid breakdown of cancer cells during treatment.
For the nurse
Teach clients with high levels to drink plenty of fluids and limit alcohol, organ meats and sugary drinks, as advised.
At a glance
| Normal range | Men about 3.4–7.0 mg/dL [about 202–416 µmol/L]; women about 2.4–6.0 mg/dL [about 143–357 µmol/L]. Each lab sets its own range. |
|---|---|
| Also written | serum uric acid, urate level |
Related terms
gout
A form of arthritis in which crystals of uric acid collect in and around a joint.
nephrolithiasis
The forming of stones in the kidney.
allopurinol
A drug that lowers the body's production of uric acid, taken daily to prevent gout attacks and kidney stones.