The urate test measures the volume of uric acid crystals in the blood, also called uric acid. Uric acid is produced as a by-product during the breakdown of purines, which occur in various foods such as liver, black pudding, kidney, herring, anchovies, fish roe and more.
Uric acid is usually excreted from the body through your kidneys and intestines. If there is an imbalance between the production and breakdown of uric acid, the levels in the blood can increase, which can lead to a disease called hyperuricemia, which is associated with an increased risk of gout. A high level of urate in the blood can also be an indication of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
To measure urate levels in the blood, a common laboratory test called a urate level test or uric acid level test is used. This test is usually included in routine blood tests and can also be ordered separately.