Gout is an arthritic joint disease that manifests as sudden and severe flareups of pain, redness and swelling of your joints. Your big toe is the most likely area to be afflicted, although your ankles, knees and hands can also suffer from gout. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you are a male 40 to 50 years old, you are the most likely to develop gout. The Mayo Clinic adds that checking the uric acid level in your blood is the primary way to be tested for gout.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about gout and ask him to order a uric acid level blood test
Step 2
Depending on your physician's instruction, you should fast for eight to 12 hours the night before the blood draw.
Step 3
Go to a nearby lab draw station or hospital, taking your lab order form and medical insurance card.
Step 4
The phlebotomist will draw your blood from a vein. Take a cotton ball and apply pressure on the needle puncture site for one to two minutes, then apply a Band-Aid.
Step 5
Contact your physician to discuss the test result.
Tips and Warnings
- You should ideally wear a short-sleeved shirt or blouse to the lab testing center so the phlebotomist will have an easier time accessing your veins on the elbow area.
- If you are on aspirin or other blood thinners, discuss with your physician if and when you should stop them, in preparation for the blood test. If you have persistent bleeding at the venipuncture site that lasts more than a few minutes, seek medical attention.
