When the uric acid levels are high, they can contribute to diseases likegoutandkidney stones.

Uric acid levels can also increase duringchemotherapyand cause serious health concerns.

It also helps monitor for abnormal uric acid buildup in people undergoing cancer treatment.

Stages of Gout

Verywell / Emily Roberts

What Is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is a waste product that your body makes when it breaks down chemicals called purines.

Purines are created when cells in your body die.

Can You Test Uric Acid at Home?

The rapid urine test strip can tell you roughly how high your levels are based on color changes.

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Wiederkehr MR, Moe OW.Uric acid nephrolithiasis: a systemic metabolic disorder.Clin Rev Bone Miner Metab.

2014;21(1):1826. doi:10.1053/j.ackd.2013.07.001

American Kidney Fund.Tests for gout.

2022 Feb 15:198:113804. doi:10.1016/j.bios.2021.113804

National Kidney Foundation.Kidney stones.