Kidney system

Uric Acid

A waste product of purine metabolism — linked to gout and metabolic health.

What is it

Uric Acid — in plain English.

Uric acid is produced from purine metabolism and cleared by the kidneys. It can crystallize in joints when levels are high (gout) and has been studied in metabolic health research.

Why it's measured

What Uric Acid can reveal.

Elevated uric acid has been associated with gout and with metabolic syndrome features in published research.

Reference range

Where most laboratories draw the standard line.

Standard laboratory reference

Men: 3.4 – 7.0 / Women: 2.4 – 6.0 mg/dL

Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Your individual reference range will appear on your test report and should be interpreted by your physician in the context of your overall health profile.

What results may indicate

Higher vs. lower Uric Acid — at a high level.

Elevated

Has been associated with gout, metabolic syndrome, and certain cardiovascular outcomes in research literature.

Lower

Generally considered favorable.

These associations are general. They are not a personal diagnosis or prediction. Discuss your individual results with your physician in the context of your full health profile.

When it's measured

When Uric Acid is typically run.

Used in metabolic and gout evaluation.

Related markers

Often measured alongside Uric Acid.

Common questions

Questions people ask about Uric Acid

What is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is produced from purine metabolism and cleared by the kidneys. It can crystallize in joints when levels are high (gout) and has been studied in metabolic health research.

Why is Uric Acid measured?

It's one of the markers used to build a fuller picture of your health. On its own it tells you very little, so it's most informative when reviewed alongside related markers.

How is Uric Acid tested?

It's measured from a standard blood draw at Quest or LabCorp. Uric Acid is one of the markers included in the OPTML Apex Panel, where your results are read across systems and reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.

What should I do with my Uric Acid result?

Reference ranges vary by laboratory, and a single value rarely tells the whole story. Review your result with a physician in the context of your other markers, symptoms, and history.

Not sure which panel is right for you?

Uric Acid is one signal among many. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll point you to the panel that fits.

Measured in

Uric Acid is one of 160 biomarkers in the Apex Panel.

A complete look at your heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and longevity systems — drawn at Quest or LabCorp, reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.

Explore the Apex Panel
160 biomarkers13 body systemsPhysician-reviewed
Back to all biomarkers

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Lab results alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition and do not replace the advice of a healthcare provider. OPTML does not offer medical advice, a diagnosis, medical treatment, or any form of medical opinion.