Question 1

What is Hypouricemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypouricemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of uric acid in the blood serum. It is caused by kidney tubule defects that prevent proper reabsorption of uric acid, liver disease, severe malnutrition, or certain medications. The Uric Acid Serum Test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures uric acid concentration in the blood.

Question 2

What causes hypouricemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypouricemia is caused by kidney tubule defects that prevent proper reabsorption of uric acid, liver disease that impairs uric acid production, severe malnutrition leading to reduced purine intake, or certain medications like probenecid and allopurinol. Rare genetic conditions such as renal hypouricemia type 1 and type 2 affect the transporters responsible for uric acid reabsorption in the kidneys. Wilson disease, a genetic disorder affecting copper metabolism, can also lead to low uric acid levels due to impaired liver function and kidney damage.

Question 3

What is the best test for hypouricemia?

Accepted Answer

The Uric Acid Serum Test is the most important test for hypouricemia because it directly measures the concentration of uric acid in your blood. This test reveals whether your uric acid levels fall below the normal reference range, typically less than 2.5 mg/dL in women and 3.0 mg/dL in men. When results show low uric acid, your healthcare provider may order additional tests including comprehensive metabolic panel to assess kidney and liver function, 24-hour urine collection to measure uric acid excretion, and genetic testing if hereditary kidney disorders are suspected.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hypouricemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a family history of kidney disorders or Wilson disease, are experiencing unexplained kidney stones or kidney dysfunction, have been diagnosed with liver disease, or are taking medications that affect uric acid metabolism. Testing is also recommended if you are experiencing symptoms of nutritional deficiency including unintended weight loss or muscle wasting. If you have undergone genetic screening suggesting hereditary conditions affecting uric acid handling, prompt blood work is essential to establish baseline levels and guide treatment.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hypouricemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypouricemia often causes no noticeable symptoms and is frequently discovered during routine blood work. When symptoms do occur, they typically relate to the underlying cause rather than the low uric acid itself. You might experience symptoms of kidney dysfunction including changes in urination frequency or appearance, lower back pain, or swelling in the legs. If liver disease is the cause, you may notice fatigue, jaundice with yellowing of skin or eyes, or abdominal swelling. Severe malnutrition can present as unexplained weight loss, muscle weakness, and general fatigue.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hypouricemia?

Accepted Answer

People with genetic kidney disorders affecting uric acid transporters face the highest risk, particularly those with family members who have renal hypouricemia. Individuals with chronic liver disease including hepatitis, cirrhosis, or Wilson disease are at increased risk due to impaired uric acid production. People with severe malnutrition, eating disorders, or malabsorption conditions have reduced purine intake leading to low uric acid levels. Those taking certain medications including uricosuric agents like probenecid, high-dose aspirin, or contrast dyes used in imaging studies may develop temporary hypouricemia.

Question 7

What happens if hypouricemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hypouricemia can lead to serious complications depending on the underlying cause. Individuals with hereditary renal hypouricemia face increased risk of exercise-induced acute kidney injury, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur after intense physical activity. Undiagnosed liver disease can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure if not properly managed. Severe malnutrition can lead to muscle wasting, weakened immune function, and organ damage. Kidney stones may develop in some cases due to excessive uric acid excretion in the urine, causing pain and potential kidney damage over time.

Question 8

Can hypouricemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hypouricemia is definitively diagnosed with the Uric Acid Serum blood test, which measures the concentration of uric acid in your blood. The test requires a simple blood draw and results are typically available within 1-2 business days. Your healthcare provider will compare your results to normal reference ranges, with values below 2.5 mg/dL in women and 3.0 mg/dL in men indicating hypouricemia. Additional blood tests including comprehensive metabolic panel and liver function tests may be ordered to identify the underlying cause and assess overall organ function.

Question 9

How is hypouricemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for hypouricemia focuses on addressing the underlying cause rather than raising uric acid levels directly. If medication is causing low uric acid, your doctor may adjust dosages or switch to alternative treatments. Liver disease requires specific management including medications, dietary changes, and in severe cases liver transplant. Nutritional deficiencies are corrected through improved diet, nutritional supplements, and treatment of any underlying malabsorption conditions. For hereditary renal hypouricemia, treatment focuses on prevention of exercise-induced kidney injury through proper hydration and avoiding intense physical exertion during hot weather.

Question 10

How can I prevent hypouricemia?

Accepted Answer

Prevention depends on your individual risk factors and underlying health conditions. Maintain a balanced diet with adequate protein and purine-containing foods to support normal uric acid production. If you have hereditary renal hypouricemia, stay well-hydrated before and during exercise and avoid intense physical activity in hot, humid conditions. Take medications as prescribed and inform your healthcare provider about any family history of kidney or liver disorders. Regular health screenings and blood work help identify low uric acid levels early, allowing for prompt investigation and treatment of underlying causes.

Question 11

What can I do at home for hypouricemia?

Accepted Answer

Focus on maintaining a nutritious diet with adequate protein from sources like lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, and legumes to support normal uric acid production. Stay well-hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily, especially important if you have kidney-related hypouricemia. If you have hereditary renal hypouricemia, avoid intense exercise in hot weather and always warm up gradually before physical activity. Keep a symptom diary tracking any unusual symptoms, changes in urination, or signs of liver problems to share with your healthcare provider. Attend regular follow-up appointments and blood work to monitor uric acid levels and overall organ function.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Low Uric Acid Blood Test (Hypouricemia)

What is Hypouricemia?

What causes hypouricemia?

What is the best test for hypouricemia?

When should I get tested for hypouricemia?

References

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