Uric acid is considered high (hyperuricaemia) above roughly 7.0 mg/dL (about 420 µmol/L) in men and 6.0 mg/dL (about 360 µmol/L) in women, depending on the lab. Above about 6.8 mg/dL (400 µmol/L) it can form crystals, which is how gout and some kidney stones develop. Yet most people with high uric acid never get gout, and a raised level without symptoms is usually not treated with medicines.
| Category | Reference range |
|---|---|
| Men | about 3.4–7.0 (200–420) mg/dL (µmol/L in brackets) |
| Women | about 2.4–6.0 (140–360) mg/dL (µmol/L in brackets) |
| Crystals can form above | about 6.8 (400) mg/dL (µmol/L in brackets) |
Ranges vary by lab; use the one on your report. 1 mg/dL = 59.5 µmol/L, so 7 mg/dL ≈ 416 µmol/L and 400 µmol/L ≈ 6.7 mg/dL.
Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, substances found in our own cells and in some foods and drinks. Most of it leaves through the kidneys. Levels rise when the body makes more or the kidneys clear less.
Uric acid dissolves in blood only up to a point, around 6.8 mg/dL. Above that, crystals can form in joints and tissues over time. The higher and longer the level stays raised, the greater the chance of gout, but crystals take years to build and many people with mildly high results never have a flare.
For a man, 7.0 mg/dL (about 416 µmol/L) sits at the upper limit; for a woman, it is above the range. 400 µmol/L (about 6.7 mg/dL) is close to the level at which crystals can form. Without joint pain, kidney stones or kidney disease, a doctor will usually look for reasons behind it and repeat it rather than start treatment.
Uric acid can be temporarily higher after a large meal rich in meat or seafood, after alcohol (especially beer), with dehydration or after very intense exercise.
This situation is called asymptomatic hyperuricaemia and is very common. UK and US guidance generally do not recommend medication for it. Instead, it is a prompt to look at the whole metabolic picture: blood pressure, kidney function, glucose, lipids and weight, since high uric acid often travels with these.
If you have had gout, the picture changes: there, doctors aim to keep uric acid below about 6 mg/dL (360 µmol/L) to dissolve existing crystals and prevent flares.
Because uric acid is closely tied to kidney function and metabolism, a raised result is usually read with creatinine and eGFR, glucose or HbA1c, a lipid profile and blood pressure. If you have had a painful swollen joint, the most reliable way to confirm gout is to look for crystals in fluid taken from the joint, although many doctors diagnose it from the typical story.
Uric acid can fall during a gout flare, so a normal result taken during an attack does not rule gout out. Doctors often recheck it two to four weeks after a flare has settled.
Discuss a high uric acid with your GP or doctor at a routine appointment, especially if your kidney tests are also abnormal. Seek prompt or urgent care if you have:
Written using public information from:
No need to decode the numbers yourself: take a photo of the report and the app explains “High uric acid” and the rest in plain words — what is normal and what deserves attention.
App StoreGoogle PlayWeb versionThat there is more uric acid in the blood than usual, from making more of it, clearing less, or both. It raises the chance of gout and kidney stones but often causes no problems.
It is at the upper limit for men and above the range for women. On its own, without symptoms, it is usually rechecked and the causes looked at.
Most people have none. When symptoms appear, they come from gout (sudden very painful, red, swollen joint) or kidney stones (severe side or back pain).
About 6.7 mg/dL. Divide µmol/L by 59.5 to convert.
No. Without gout, kidney stones or certain kidney problems, medication is generally not recommended. Your doctor will advise based on your overall health.
This material is for general information only. It is not a medical opinion and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory and the method — rely on the range printed on your own report. Your doctor makes the final interpretation.
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