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Uric acid is a natural substance in the body. However, when it reaches high levels, it can cause health problems. In this article, we will discuss uric acid, how blood uric acid testing (BUA test) is done and what the results may indicate. Stay informed about your health! Learn more about the BUA Test, a blood uric acid test patients in the Philippines need to know.
What is BUA Test (Blood Uric Acid)?
A blood uric acid (BUA) test is a lab test that measures the level of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a waste product that’s produced when your body breaks down purines, which are found in DNA.
Your doctor may order a BUA test if you’ve been experiencing symptoms like joint pain or swelling, kidney stones, or liver problems. The test can also be used to help monitor treatment for conditions like gout or kidney disease.
What is Blood Uric Acid
Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of purine molecules, such as in DNA. This process occurs in the liver and can increase when someone has an unhealthy lifestyle or a disease.
Blood uric acid levels are typically highest in Filipinos with gout, kidney stones, and liver cirrhosis. However, blood uric acid levels can also be high in Filipinos who do not have any of these conditions.
What Causes High Blood Uric Acid Levels?
Results of your BUA Test can possibly increase due to the following reasons:
- A diet high in processed foods and sugar
- Gout
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Genetic factors
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- kidney stones
- Liver cirrhosis
- Chronic kidney disease
Ways to Prevent Increased Blood Uric Acid
BUA levels can somehow be regulated in simple ways, such as:
- Avoid eating a lot of processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Drink plenty of water every day.
- Exercise regularly and avoid too much stress.
- Avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol excessively.
- If you have a family history of gout, consult your doctor about your uric acid levels before starting any treatment.
- If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar levels closely to avoid complications like hyperuricemia.
- If you have kidney stones, talk to your doctor about the best way to spend your time and energy so as not to cause further damage to building up uric acid levels in the body.
- If you have liver cirrhosis, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet that includes protein and carbohydrates to avoid developing complications like ascites (fluid in the abdomen).
- If you have chronic kidney disease, speak to your doctor about adjusting your medication and diet to help lower uric acid levels.
What is Gout?
If BUA levels are extremely increased and left untreated may lead to gouty or inflammatory arthritis.
Inflammatory arthritis, a frequent and excruciating condition otherwise known as gout, is usually just a one-joint affected at once (often the big toe joint). There are episodes of worsening symptoms, known as flares, and remissions, which are periods without symptoms. Gouty arthritis, an aggravating form of arthritis, can develop after numerous episodes of gout.
Hyperuricemia, a condition when there is too much uric acid in the body, is what causes gout. Purines, which are present in both your body and the foods you eat, are broken down by the body to produce uric acid. Uric acid crystals (monosodium urate) can accumulate in tissues, bodily fluids, and joints when there is an excess of uric acid in the body. Gout does not usually result from hyperuricemia, and it is not necessary to treat hyperuricemia in the absence of gout symptoms.
Inflammatory arthritis is a frequent and excruciating condition known as gout. Usually, just one joint is affected at once (often the big toe joint). There are episodes of worsening symptoms, known as flares, and remissions, which are periods without symptoms. Gouty arthritis, an aggravating form of arthritis, can develop after numerous episodes of gout.
Hyperuricemia, a condition when there is too much uric acid in the body, is what causes gout. Purines, which are present in both your body and the foods you eat, are broken down by the body to produce uric acid. Uric acid crystals (monosodium urate) can accumulate in tissues, bodily fluids, and joints when there is an excess of uric acid in the body. Gout does not usually result from hyperuricemia, and it is not necessary to treat hyperuricemia in the absence of gout symptoms.
Why Do Filipinos Need To Test Their Uric Acid Levels?
Uric acid can affect the body in a number of ways. When levels of uric acid are too high, it can lead to health problems such as gout, kidney stones, and even kidney damage. Additionally, high levels of uric acid can also cause problems with blood pressure and cholesterol. Therefore, it is important to know how to test for uric acid in the blood in order to diagnose or treat any health problems.
How Do You Test Your Uric Acid Levels?
Uric acid levels can be tested using a blood sample. A Medical Technologist or Laboratory technician will take a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm and have it tested in the laboratory. The obtained sample will be spun in a clinical centrifuge, and the serum product will be processed and read for blood uric acid levels. The results will then be evaluated by the physician,
What Are The Benefits Of Testing Your Uric Acid Levels?
The benefits of a BUA test include the following:
- providing your doctor with accurate information about your uric acid level and how it’s changing over time
- helping to identify gouty arthritis before it progresses to more serious symptoms
- helping to prevent kidney stones and other complications related to high uric acid levels
- providing valuable information about your diet and lifestyle choices that may be contributing to your high uric acid level
- allowing you to take action to reduce your risk for gouty arthritis and other complications
If you’re considering a blood uric acid test, be sure to talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this testing.
What Are The Risks Of Not Testing Your Uric Acid Levels?
The risks of not testing your uric acid levels include the following:
- not being able to identify gouty arthritis before it progresses to more serious symptoms
- not being able to prevent kidney stones and other complications related to high uric acid levels
- not have valuable information about your diet and lifestyle choices that may be contributing to your high uric acid level
- not being able to take action to reduce your risk for gouty arthritis and other complications
If you’re considering a blood uric acid test, be sure to talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this testing. It is important to know how to test for uric acid in the blood in order to maintain your overall health and well-being.
How Often Should I Test My Uric Acid Levels?
It is important to test your uric acid levels on a regular basis in order to maintain your overall health and well-being. This also depends on the situation and what the physician will request for monitoring. There are a number of risks associated with not testing uric acid levels, including problems with gout, kidney stones, and blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to know how to test for uric acid in the blood in order to monitor your health and prevent any potential problems.
How Much is BUA Test in the Philippines?
Uric acid is a substance produced from the breakdown of food and other substances in the body. Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood are known as hyperuricemia, which is often linked to gout and kidney stones. Fortunately, it can be tested relatively cheaply in the Philippines.
The cost of a blood uric acid (BUA test) varies between PHP100 to PHP 561 per test. Such tests are usually done on an outpatient basis and can be done at any clinic or hospital that offers such services. In terms of preparation, there’s no need to fast beforehand, but it is recommended that you remain well-hydrated before the test is conducted.
It’s worth noting that some medical insurance providers may cover this type of testing as part of their policies, so it’s best to check with your provider before making any payments out-of-pocket.
Here are the BUA test prices from various laboratories, hospitals, and private clinics in the Philippines:
| Healthcare Provider | Price | Service |
| Polymed Lab (Tondo, Manila) | PHP 100 | BUA Test |
| Basilan General Hospital (Basilan) | PHP 120 | BUA Test |
| Region 2 Trauma & Medical Center (Nueva Vizcaya) | PHP 150 | BUA Test |
| Capitol University Medical Center (Cagayan de Oro) | PHP 195 | BUA Test |
| AIDE home care service (Metro Manila) | PHP 300 | BUA Test |
| Perperual Succor Hospital (Sampaloc, Manila) | PHP 561 | Uric Acid |
| American Bio-Clinical Lab, (Ayala Alabang) | PHP 1,390 | Blood Test Package |
Who Is Qualified to Perform a Blood Uric Acid Test?
The BUA test can help diagnose conditions such as kidney disease, gout, and leukemia.
It’s important to understand who is qualified to perform this test. Any medical professional with proper training can perform a BUA test—this includes nurses, medical assistants, medical technologists, lab technicians, and physicians specializing in laboratory tests. For the results to be accurate and reliable, it’s essential that these professionals follow standard protocols for collecting samples as well as storing and analyzing them properly.
Which Doctor Can Request for Blood Uric Acid Test?
A blood uric acid test, also known as a BUA test, is a medical procedure requested by a Filipino doctor to evaluate the levels of uric acid present in the blood. This type of testing is typically done when there are abnormalities in the functioning of the kidneys or liver or when someone has signs and symptoms that suggest gout or kidney stones.
The types of doctors in the Philippines who would likely request this type of test include family physicians, internists, urologists, and nephrologists. These are all specialists who work with patients to diagnose and treat diseases related to these organs. Rheumatologists may also be involved if gout is suspected since they specialize in diagnosing and treating joint disorders associated with this condition. All these healthcare professionals in the Philippines have knowledge about how to properly interpret the results of a BUA test so that an informed diagnosis can be made for their patient’s health issue.
FAQS About Blood Uric Acid (BUA Test):
1. Is BUA a painful test?
Testing your uric acid (BUA test) only requires a certain amount of blood to be able to obtain an ample quantity of serum to be measured. Venous Blood will only be collected in the arm; Pain still varies, depending on tolerance, the condition of the patient, and the proper collection techniques of the phlebotomist.
2. How Long Will the BUA test be?
With the aid of chemistry machines that utilizes batch testing, uric acid blood testing (BUA tests) may only require 1-hour processing but will still depend on the laboratory’s protocols and the type of chemistry machine used.
3. What Should I Know Prior to my BUA Test?
A blood uric acid test is one of the most commonly requested routine chemistry exams by physicians. This measures the amount of uric acid present in the blood, which rules out gout and other related conditions. This is usually conducted together with other chemistry examinations.
4. Do I Need to Fast Before my BUA Test?
Unlike other chemistry procedures, a uric acid blood test does not require any kind of fasting prior to blood collection.
5. What Kind of Result Should I Expect After the BUA Test?
Results vary depending on the patient’s present condition. Filipinos with Gout usually have elevated uric acid levels. Whereas normal values that are likely expected range from 2.54 mg/dl-6.27 mg/dl.
Takeaway: Blood Uric Acid (BUA Test)
A uric acid blood test is an important examination that should be done on a regular basis in order to maintain overall health. There are a number of risks associated with not testing uric acid levels, including problems with gout, kidney stones, and blood pressure. Testing for uric acid in the blood will help you monitor your health and prevent any potential problems.
Sources: Blood Uric Acid (BUA Test)
- BUA Test Laboratory Fees – BGH
- How much is uric acid test Philippines? Diagnostic Services – Laboratory – Perpetual Succor Hospital
- Rates and Fees (BUA Test) | R2TMC
- BUA Test LABORATORY TEST PACKAGES – ABC Lab
- URIC ACID (BUA TEST) – Polymed Lab
- Uric Acid Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test
- Uric acid – blood – UCSF Health
- Blood Test: Uric Acid (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth
- High Uric Acid Level: Causes, Risks, Treatment, Prevention – Cleveland Clinic
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- Lab Test: Uric Acid (Serum) Level – EBM Consult
- Blood Test: Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT, or SGPT) – Kids Health
- High uric acid level – Mayo Clinic
- High uric acid level Causes – Mayo Clinic
- Uric acid – blood Information | Mount Sinai – New York
- Uric Acid (Blood) – Health Encyclopedia – URMC
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