What term describes an elevated level of uric acid in the blood?

• A. Hyperuricemia
• B. Hypouricemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hyperglycemia

Answer: (A)

Elevated uric acid in the blood is called hyperuricemia. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of purines, which are found in many foods and are also produced during normal cell turnover. If the kidneys don’t clear uric acid well or production is high, urate builds up in the bloodstream. A high serum uric acid level is a clue toward gout and can contribute to kidney stone risk, and it’s confirmed by a blood test showing uric acid above the normal range. Other terms refer to different substances or directions: hypouricemia means low uric acid, hypercalcemia means high calcium, and hyperglycemia means high blood glucose.