✍️ Written by the MedTestBD Editorial Team · Last reviewed: June 2026
What is the Serum Uric Acid Test?
The serum uric acid test measures the level of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a natural waste product formed when the body breaks down purines — substances found in certain foods and in the body's own cells. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidneys, and leaves the body in urine. When levels become too high, uric acid can form sharp crystals that deposit in joints, causing gout, or in the kidneys, causing kidney stones.
Why is the Serum Uric Acid Test Done?
- To diagnose gout — a painful joint condition most commonly affecting the big toe, ankles, and knees
- To investigate recurrent kidney stones, as uric acid stones are a common type
- To monitor patients on chemotherapy or radiation therapy — rapid cell breakdown releases large amounts of uric acid
- To assess kidney function, since the kidneys are responsible for clearing uric acid
- To monitor patients already on uric acid-lowering medications such as allopurinol
Normal Serum Uric Acid Levels
| Group | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Adult men | 3.4 – 7.0 mg/dL (202 – 416 µmol/L) |
| Adult women | 2.4 – 6.0 mg/dL (143 – 357 µmol/L) |
| Post-menopausal women | Levels rise closer to male range |
Levels above 7.0 mg/dL in men and 6.0 mg/dL in women are considered hyperuricaemia. However, not everyone with high uric acid develops gout — symptoms and clinical context determine whether treatment is needed.
How to Prepare for the Serum Uric Acid Test
- No fasting is strictly required, but some labs prefer a fasting sample for consistency
- Avoid eating purine-rich foods the day before — red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and sardines can temporarily raise levels
- Avoid alcohol before the test, as it raises uric acid
- Inform your doctor about any diuretics, aspirin, or uric acid medications you take
- A simple blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm
Serum Uric Acid Test Price in Bangladesh
Serum uric acid test prices vary between diagnostic centers across Bangladesh. Compare serum uric acid test prices on MedTestBD →
⚠️ This information is for general reference only. Always consult a qualified physician before undergoing any medical test.