How to Identify Uric Acid Crystals

Uric acid crystals are result of a condition called hyperuricemia, the overproduction of uric acid in the body. The uric acid builds up in the joints, forming uric acid crystals. The crystals irritate the joint tissue until it is swollen and tender. This condition is called gout. There are ways to identify uric acid crystals and thus determine if gout or hyperuricemia is your problem.

Instructions

• 1

  Examine the risk factors. People with certain diseases like diabetes, sickle cell anemia, obesity and leukemia are predisposed to uric acid crystal buildup. Those who eat large amounts of foods containing purine or take medications that inhibit uric acid removal are also at risk. This condition can also be hereditary.

• 2

  Look for the symptoms of uric acid crystals, which are not visible to the naked eye. Before going to the lab for a test, you can still identify the crystals by your symptoms. They are acute joint pain, swollen joints, bruising, redness and tenderness to the touch. This lasts as few as five days and as many as 10. These "attacks" come and go, often with months or a few years between them.

• 3

  See your doctor, who will examine you and take a blood and/or urine sample. A uric acid blood test is performed. A normal result is no lower than 3.0 milligrams per deciliter and no more than 7.0. A uric acid urine test may also be performed. During the test, you will have to urinate in a container over a period of 24 hours. Once the urine is tested, the doctor looks for a range of 250 to 750 milligrams of uric acid.