Interpret Your Uric Acid Results
Enter your Uric Acid value below and get an instant, free AI interpretation — a plain-English explanation checked against WHO/IFCC reference ranges.
Medical Disclaimer
This AI-generated interpretation is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results may vary based on individual health factors not captured here.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Read full disclaimer →
Uric Acid Normal Ranges
Uric acid is the final breakdown product of purine metabolism.
| Age Group | Sex | Reference Range | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18–64) | Male | 3.4 – 7 | mg/dL | — |
| Adults (18–64) | Female | 2.4 – 6 | mg/dL | — |
Also reported in: µmol/L.
Critical (Panic) Values
Critical High: > 13 mg/dL. Values outside these limits require immediate clinical attention.
Why Doctors Order the Uric Acid Test
Hyperuricemia is the metabolic basis of gout — the most common inflammatory arthritis in adults. Uric acid crystals deposit in joints (especially the big toe, ankles, and knees), causing exquisitely painful attacks.
How to Enter Your Uric Acid Result
Uric Acid can be reported in mg/dL or µmol/L. Choose the unit printed next to your result on the lab report so it is compared with the matching reference range.
Reference ranges for Uric Acid differ between men and women, so entering your sex gives a more accurate reading.
What a Low or High Uric Acid Can Be Associated With
Below the reference range
- Xanthine oxidase inhibitor therapy (allopurinol, febuxostat)
- Low purine diet
- Liver disease (reduced purine synthesis)
- Medications: high-dose salicylates (aspirin), losartan, fenofibrate (uricosuric effect)
Above the reference range
- Gout (most clinically relevant cause)
- High purine diet: red meat, organ meats, shellfish, beer
- Kidney disease (reduced uric acid excretion)
- Diuretics (thiazides, loop diuretics) — reduce uric acid excretion
- Tumor lysis syndrome (massive cell death releases purines)
This interpreter flags a result at or above 13 mg/dL as a critical value. Results that extreme are uncommon — contact your doctor promptly, and seek urgent medical care if you feel unwell.
These are common associations, not a diagnosis. A single result is read alongside your symptoms, history and other tests — discuss it with your doctor.
What Can Change Your Uric Acid Result
Before you read too much into a result, consider whether any of these applied:
- Diet (high purine foods raise uric acid)
- Alcohol (especially beer — raises uric acid and triggers gout attacks)
- Dehydration (concentrates uric acid)
- Thiazide and loop diuretics (raise uric acid)
Preparing for the test: No fasting strictly required but preferred. Avoid purine-rich foods and alcohol for 24 hours before testing for the most accurate baseline.
Symptoms That Often Prompt Uric Acid Testing
- Sudden, severe joint pain (gout attack) — most commonly the big toe
- Swelling, redness, and warmth over the affected joint
- Kidney stone pain (flank pain)
- Tophi (urate crystal deposits under the skin in chronic gout)
Want the full clinical guide to Uric Acid?
Reference ranges, causes, symptoms, preparation, and FAQs.