Hyperuricemia and Gout

Causes & Risk Factors

Hyperuricemia and gout risk are influenced by dietary, metabolic, and genetic factors:

•  Diet high in purines — including red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood — can raise uric acid levels.

•  Alcohol consumption, particularly beer, is associated with increased uric acid levels.

•  Obesity and metabolic syndrome are commonly associated with hyperuricemia.

•  Kidney disease can reduce uric acid excretion, contributing to elevated levels.

•  Certain medications, including some diuretics, can raise uric acid levels.

•  Genetic factors influence individual susceptibility to hyperuricemia and gout.

Symptoms & When to Test

Gout classically presents with sudden, severe joint symptoms, though hyperuricemia itself (without gout) is typically asymptomatic.

•  Sudden, severe joint pain and swelling — classically affecting the big toe, though other joints can be involved

•  Joint redness and warmth

•  Recurrent attacks of inflammatory arthritis in some individuals

•  Hyperuricemia without gout symptoms is common and typically asymptomatic

•  Chronic, longstanding gout can lead to visible deposits (tophi) in some patients

When Should You Consider Testing?

Testing is generally appropriate for a sudden, painful, and swollen joint, recurrent attacks of inflammatory arthritis, known hyperuricemia requiring monitoring, kidney disease, or when monitoring response to urate-lowering treatment.

Why Tests Are Combined

Serum uric acid measures the level directly, but because kidney function significantly affects uric acid excretion, creatinine/eGFR is tested alongside it to understand whether reduced kidney function is contributing to elevated levels.

CBC and CRP/ESR support assessment of systemic inflammation, which can help distinguish gout flares from other causes of joint symptoms, though these markers are not specific to gout on their own.

Synovial fluid analysis, when joint aspiration is performed, is the most definitive test — identifying monosodium urate crystals directly confirms gout, distinguishing it from other causes of joint pain and swelling that can mimic gout clinically, such as certain infections or other crystal arthropathies.

Tests Available at NPL

Preparation requirements vary by specific test — please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL for the tests ordered.

Home Sample Collection

NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Hyperuricemia and Gout blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.

→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.

→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.

→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's ISO NABL ACCREDITED UNDER ISO15189:2022 laboratory for processing.

→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.

When to See a Doctor

•  Sudden, severe joint pain and swelling, particularly affecting the big toe

•  Recurrent attacks of inflammatory arthritis

•  Known hyperuricemia requiring monitoring

•  Kidney disease with concern about uric acid levels

•  Monitoring response to urate-lowering treatment