At a Glance Why Get Tested? To detect high levels of uric acid
in the blood, which could be a sign of the condition gout or to
monitor uric acid levels when undergoing chemotherapy or
radiation treatment; to detect high levels of uric acid in the
urine in order to diagnose the cause of kidney stones and to
monitor those with gout who are at risk of developing such
stones When to Get Tested? When you have joint pain or other
symptoms that your doctor suspects may be due to gout; when you
have had or are going to have certain chemotherapy or radiation
therapies for cancer; when you have recurrent kidney stones;
when you have gout or are otherwise at risk for kidney stone
formation A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or a
24-hour urine sample Test Preparation Needed? None may be
needed; however, some institutions recommend fasting. Follow any
instructions you are given. The Test Sample What is being
tested? Uric acid is produced by the breakdown of purines, which
are nitrogen-containing compounds found i