What Is a Uric Acid Test?
A uric acid test is a simple blood test that measures the level of uric acid in your body — a natural waste product formed when your body breaks down purines, found in certain foods and in your body’s tissues.
Normally, your kidneys filter uric acid into your urine. If your body produces too much or your kidneys cannot remove enough, uric acid can build up in your blood (hyperuricemia).
This excess can form sharp crystals in the joints or urinary tract, potentially leading to:
- Gout — painful joint inflammation, often in the big toe, knees, or ankles
- Kidney stones — hard deposits that cause severe pain and urinary issues
- Chronic kidney disease — long-term kidney damage if left untreated
Why Check Your Uric Acid Levels?
Early detection helps you prevent painful flare-ups and irreversible joint or kidney damage.
High or abnormal uric acid levels can be linked to:
- Gout or suspected gout
- Kidney stones or urinary issues
- Chronic kidney disease
- Metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity)
- Certain cancers or chemotherapy treatments that increase cell turnover
What Causes High Uric Acid Levels?
Several factors can contribute to excess uric acid in your body:
- Diet high in purines – red meats, organ meats, sardines, shellfish
- Excess alcohol – especially beer and spirits
- Dehydration – less uric acid is flushed out
- Obesity / high BMI – increases uric acid production
- Kidney dysfunction – impairs uric acid excretion
- Metabolic conditions – high blood pressure, diabetes
- Certain medications – diuretics, chemotherapy, aspirin
- Genetics – family history of gout or kidney stones
Common Symptoms of High Uric Acid
You may not have symptoms until levels are significantly elevated, but early signs include:
- Sudden joint pain or swelling (especially at night)
- Red, warm, or shiny joints
- Pain in the big toe or mid-foot
- Fatigue or low-grade fever
- Frequent urination or back pain (linked to kidney health)
Who Should Consider a Uric Acid Test?
A uric acid test may be recommended if you:
Have sudden, unexplained joint pain or swelling
Have a family history of gout or kidney stones
Are being monitored for known gout or kidney disease
Are undergoing chemotherapy or rapid weight loss
Have metabolic syndrome or chronic kidney issues
Want a proactive check for joint, kidney, or metabolic health
Why Is Uric Acid Level Especially Important?
Uric acid may seem minor, but it’s closely tied to joint comfort, kidney function, and metabolic health. When levels are balanced, it’s harmless — but excess uric acid can silently damage joints, cause excruciating gout attacks, and impair kidney function. Monitoring it regularly allows for early treatment, preventing pain and long-term complications.
Uric Acid Level Test
Test type: Blood test
Whilst it is possible to test for uric acid as a single isolated blood marker, doing so in isolation is rarely comprehensive. Elevated uric acid (hyperuricaemia) may be linked not only to gout but also to conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and kidney stones. Testing uric acid alone may miss these related or contributory factors. For a proper evaluation, uric acid is usually included as part of an initial blood panel that provides a more complete picture of overall health.
Metabolic Syndrome panel (Uric Acid, Renal Panel, Lipid Panel, HbA1c, Fasting Blood Glucose)
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*Prices listed were last updated on 1 July 2023. Prices may be subject to change.
*Price does not include consultation fee and GST.
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Don’t wait for painful gout attacks or kidney problems to develop. Take control of your health with a quick, accurate uric acid test and personalised doctor review.
Finding Us
Holland Village
255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983
Near MRT Exit B
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
FAQ
Accessibility & Support
Regis Medical Holland Village is located at 255 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278983
Regis Medical Katong is located at 437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
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To book an appointment at Regis Medical Holland Village, please call or whatsapp us 8118 5298
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Katong, please call or whatsapp us 9851 3728
You can only cancel or change your appointments up to 24 hours before your appointment. You will receive your refund within 3 working days. No refund will be issued for no shows and cancellations within 24 hours before your appointment. However, if you are feeling unwell on the day of the appointment, we allow patients who have their acute illness seen at Regis Medical to reschedule their appointment without extra cost.
This policy is subject to change.
Yes. You can reschedule your appointments. However, you need to reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your actual appointment time. If you are unwell on the day of the appointment, we will reschedule your appointment at no extra cost if you seek medical attention at our clinic (for non-emergencies only).
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General
- You may need to fast for 4–8 hours before the test.
- Avoid alcohol and high-purine foods (like red meat, sardines, anchovies, and beer) the day before testing.
- Our doctor may advise stopping certain medications such as diuretics or aspirin that can affect uric acid levels.
- No fasting is typically required unless our doctor orders other tests at the same time.
- It’s a routine blood test: a small sample is taken from a vein in your arm, and results are usually available within 3 working days.
- Our staff will advise accordingly.
- High uric acid levels may indicate gout, kidney disease, or metabolic syndrome.
- Low uric acid levels may point to liver disease, certain medications, or rare metabolic disorders. Our doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
- If you have a history of gout or kidney disease, our doctor may recommend regular monitoring.
- Otherwise, the test is typically done only when symptoms appear or as part of a metabolic health check.