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How Do You Prepare For Testing And Diagnosis Of Gout?

When there are signs of a hand joint or a leg joint that is seriously aching, lasting, and unbearable for many people, it is often a sign of gout.

However, before deciding to go to the hospital to visit and conduct gout tests, many people want to learn related information about this type of test to have a good preparation.

If you are also wondering, immediately find out the information shared in this article!

What Is Gout Diagnosis?

Gout is another name for gout. The disease occurs due to metabolic disorders involving purlins with the main feature of elevated blood acid levels, not excreted, but excessive deposition in the joints causing these joints to suffer inflammation, swelling, pain.

Nowadays, with the speed of development in science, technology, and economy, the life of the people has been increased significantly.

However, along with that is a limited time fund, people are busy at work, so there is little time to build a suitable and healthy nutrition regime, and the exercise regime is not focused. The prevalence of gout is increasing today.

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Gout is having a high prevalence affecting the health of patients

According to statistics, gout has a higher rate of men than women. In particular, those who have a habit of consuming a lot of alcohol, a family history of gout, and middle-aged women are the subjects at high risk of this disease.

Through the gout test, the doctor will measure the level of uric acid in the blood. If the concentration is too high and prolonged, it increases the risk of gout.

Besides blood uric acid test, depending on the case of the disease, the doctor will appoint the patient to perform additional tests related to it to be able to confirm the results with certainty.

Basic Gout Tests

What does the gout test include? Regarding gout diagnostic tests, there will be 4 basic tests as follows:

  • Blood uric acid (UA) level test.
  • Joint fluid test.
  • 24-hour urinary UA test.
  • Kidney function assessment.

Blood uric acid (UA) test

The UA test is a common test performed to check the blood uric acid level in a patient's blood, valuable in diagnosing the disease or possibly during a physical exam. general well-being, the doctor in doubt also orders this test to check.

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This test measures uric acid levels in the blood

Through gout test results on blood, the uric acid index will help doctors check the disease status and recommend the next treatment.

According to statistics, about 40% of patients with gout, at the first test of blood uric acid levels for normal results.

Therefore, in order to be able to ensure the accuracy of results, especially in suspected cases, the doctor may prescribe that patients need to conduct this test many times and can be combined with other methods to confirm. re-set.

The 24-hour urine test

The 24-hour urine test is usually ordered by the doctor after having examined the patient and it is suspected that this patient is very likely to have gout.

Thanks to the results of the 24-hour urine test, the doctor can monitor the rate of uric acid excretion by the body through the urinary tract, particularly the urinary tract.

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The 24-hour urine test detects gout

Based on these results, it is possible to diagnose the cause of the high uric acid concentration due to excess production of this substance or poor excretion by the body. As a result, the doctor will make the most suitable treatment regimen for the patient.

Joint fluid analysis

Thanks to the joint fluid test, it will be possible to check the damage of the joints when there are signs of doubt. This test is ordered when the doctor suspects the patient has gout or if the patient has long-term gout.

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Joint fluid test to monitor gout

For the method of aspiration, joint fluid in the painful joint will check the presence of urate crystals. Through this result, it will evaluate the degree of pathology, contribute to making appropriate and timely treatment regimens to prevent dangerous complications.

Kidney function assessment tests

Kidney function tests are often ordered by the doctor to monitor complications caused by gout to the kidneys, in the case of patients with long-term gout or signs of kidney dysfunction.

At the same time, through this test, it is possible to evaluate the severity and progression of gout in each stage so that there is an adjustment in the treatment method to bring the most optimal effect.

Other diagnostic methods

In addition to the above 4 diagnostic methods, depending on the patient's condition, the doctor may appoint the patient to combine with imaging methods to improve the diagnostic results such as:

  • X-ray
  • CT scans of the joints
  • Supersonic

How Is The Gout Test Done?

Blood samples

For the gout test using a blood sample, a blood sample will be collected from the vein of the patient's forearm.

The blood sampling procedure will be conducted in a sequential manner, not too complicated, the patient does not need to worry too much, should follow the instructions of the medical staff as follows:

• Medical staff will disinfect the area where the blood is drawn with medical alcohol.

• Use a piece of garo to tie around the patient's arm with sufficient force. This is a way to maintain the pressure and possibly limit the amount of blood circulating through the vein, in order to make the venous site about to take the blood swell to make it easier to insert the needle into the vein.

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The process of testing gout through a blood sample
  • Use a new medical needle to puncture the identified vein site and then draw a sufficient amount of blood.
  • Unplug the Garo so that blood can return to normal circulation.
  • Pull out the needle and apply a bandage or use a bandage to stop the patient's bleeding.
  • The blood sample after being collected must be stored in a vacuum syringe or glass bottle to ensure sterilization conditions.
  • This blood sample is then stored in an anticoagulant tube to prevent the clot from forming and sent to the laboratory.

Urine Test

For urine samples, a sterile tube should be used first. During urine sampling, the patient should be careful not to touch the inside of the sterile tube.

Next, urine samples are collected as mid-stream urine to minimize bacteria living in the lumen of the urethra.

After collecting a urine sample, it will be necessary to centrifuge, only take the residue to conduct the gout test.

Gout results

Regarding normal gout test results, the concentration of uric acid in the blood will be different for each subject as follows:

  • For men: 210 – 420 μmol / L.
  • For women: 150 – 350 μmol / L.

Results of uric acid concentration in urine samples for normal people are 2.2 – 5.5 nmol / L / 24h.

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How do I read my gout test results?

In case the patient's uric acid concentration exceeds the allowable level, the higher the amount of excess uric acid in the body, or it could be due to another reason that the kidneys are having problems with excretion. right way.

If the blood uric acid and urine results are lower than the allowable threshold with a concentration of <10 mg / mL, then the patient needs to adjust the diet accordingly according to the advice of the doctor.

Based on the results of a gout test with relevant indicators, especially the concentration of uric acid in the blood and urine, the doctor will consider, may need to conduct some additional tests to check. Next, the doctor will advise the patient on treatment methods and a reasonable living regimen.

What Preparation Is Necessary Before The Gout Diagnostic Test?

Besides learning about the gout test procedure, an issue that many people are especially interested in is the notes before gout testing, such as whether the gout test requires fasting …

According to doctors, the issues patients should keep in mind before gout testing are:

  • During the 4 hours prior to the test, the patient should not eat anything to avoid affecting the accuracy of the results.
  • Do not take drugs or supplements that are not prescribed by your doctor.
  • In case a patient is taking medication, especially antibiotics, it is necessary to proactively notify the doctor for appropriate treatment because some ingredients in the drug may cause the test results. false.
  • Do not use drugs, alcohol, beer, cigarettes, and other alcoholic beverages.
  • Should limit foods containing too much starch, protein, fat … before the time of the test.
  • Do not eat foods containing too much sugar, sweets.
  • Should take a reasonable time to rest, replenish water for the body and create a comfortable spirit.

In addition to the above notes, if there are any other questions, patients should proactively consult with their doctor to know more about the procedure, do's and don'ts before the test to avoid affecting the accuracy. test results.

How much does a gout test cost? Regarding the cost of gout testing, in order to have the most accurate price, it is necessary to go through the examination process, from which the doctor can prescribe the appropriate test and advise the cost for the patient.

The gout test can include many different tests, but the cost of a test such as a blood or urine test is not too high, only ranges from a few hundred thousand, and can vary between diseases. institute. But in general, this price is quite reasonable, not too expensive, so patients can be completely assured.

Hopefully, information related to gout testing about the procedure, basic reading comprehension, and issues to note has helped you to have more useful information, to be prepared. be thoughtful before performing this test. However, in terms of results, you should still ask your doctor for further advice according to your situation to get appropriate advice.

If you need more advice about gout testing, as well as schedule a gout screening appointment, to avoid wasting time, you can call hotline 19001717 – Diag for support.

Please find the nearby location or the nearest branch your home to visit for tests and get quick online results. For more detailed information about our test menu and price list, click here.

The site cannot and does not contain medical advice. The medical information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information. We encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.