Lab test glossary · Other
Uric Acid: what it means
Also known as: serum urate
Uric acid is a waste product that, at high levels, can crystallize in joints and cause gout — and it ties into kidney and metabolic health.
What it measures
Uric acid is produced when your body breaks down purines, found in certain foods and in your own cells. Your kidneys clear most of it. When levels run high, uric acid can form sharp crystals in joints (the cause of gout) and sometimes kidney stones.
Typical range
Often roughly 3.4–7.0 mg/dL for men and 2.4–6.0 mg/dL for women.
Reference ranges differ between labs and are printed on your own report — always read your result against that range, not a general one.
What a high result can mean
- Diet high in red meat, shellfish, alcohol, or fructose
- Reduced kidney clearance
- Genetics, some diuretics, and metabolic syndrome
A high value is a starting point for a conversation, not a diagnosis — many causes are benign or temporary.
What a low result can mean
- Some medications
- Rarely, certain inherited conditions
Why the trend matters
Uric acid responds to diet and medication, so a trend shows whether changes are moving the number and lowering gout risk.
When to talk to your doctor
A high uric acid — particularly with joint pain or a history of gout or kidney stones — is worth discussing with your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What foods raise uric acid?
Red meat, organ meats, shellfish, alcohol (especially beer), and high-fructose foods and drinks can raise uric acid.
What is a high uric acid level?
Levels above roughly 7.0 mg/dL in men or 6.0 mg/dL in women are often considered high and can raise the risk of gout, though your lab's range applies.
How can I lower uric acid?
Cutting back on alcohol, high-fructose drinks, and purine-rich foods, staying hydrated, and managing weight can help. Some people also need medication, so discuss a plan with your doctor if you've had gout.
This page is general education about a common lab test — it isn’t medical advice and can’t interpret your specific result. What a value means depends on your history, symptoms, and the rest of your labs, which is a conversation for you and your clinician.