Uric Acid in Blood

What Affects the Test

• Some medicines may increase the level of uric acid in the blood. These include diuretics, theophylline (such as Theochron), low-dose aspirin (75 to 100 mg daily), and some medicines used to treat tuberculosis.
• The vitamin niacin, high doses of vitamin C, caffeine, and a substance found in chocolate and tea (theobromine) can cause uric acid levels to be inaccurately high.
• Excessive use of alcohol, starvation, a high-protein diet, or strenuous exercise can raise the level of uric acid in the blood.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: October 31, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
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