How to Get a Uric Acid Test in Australia

You can’t manage what you don’t measure.

If you want to know where your uric acid levels stand, you need a blood test.

Getting a uric acid test in Australia is straightforward, affordable, and widely available.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting tested, understanding your results, and knowing when to retest.

What the Test Is

The test you need is called a serum urate test (also called a serum uric acid test).

It’s a standard blood test that measures the concentration of uric acid in your blood.

A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm.

It’s quick, routine, and no different from any other blood test you’ve had.

How to Get Tested

Through your GP

The most common route.

Book an appointment with your GP and ask for a serum urate test.

Your doctor can add it to a standard blood panel alongside other checks like cholesterol, blood sugar, and kidney function.

If your GP thinks the test is clinically indicated (and if you have risk factors for gout, it usually is), it will be bulk-billed through Medicare.

That means it costs you nothing.

Your GP will receive the results and can discuss them with you, including what they mean in the context of your overall health.

Through a pathology centre

Take your pathology form to any collection centre.

The major networks in Australia include:

• QML Pathology (Queensland)
• Laverty Pathology (NSW, ACT, Queensland)
• Australian Clinical Labs (nationwide)
• Melbourne Pathology (Victoria)
• Sullivan Nicolaides (Queensland)
• Dorevitch Pathology (Victoria)

Walk in, get the draw, walk out.

No appointment needed at most locations.

Results typically come back within 1-2 business days.

You can access them through the My Health Record portal, your GP’s patient app, or at your follow-up appointment.

Without a GP referral

Some pathology services offer direct-to-consumer testing.

Expect to pay $30-60 out of pocket without a Medicare referral.

With a GP referral, the test is bulk-billed at no cost to you.

Australia Uses mmol/L

This is important.

Australian labs report uric acid in millimoles per litre (mmol/L).

Most international research and many online resources use milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL).

If you’re reading overseas articles, you’ll need to convert.

The conversion:

mg/dL x 0.0598 = mmol/L

Or roughly:

Divide the mg/dL number by 16.8 to get mmol/L.

For example, 7.0 mg/dL = approximately 0.42 mmol/L.

What Your Results Mean

Normal ranges in Australia

Men (over 10 years):

0.20 – 0.42 mmol/L

Women (over 13 years):

0.15 – 0.36 mmol/L

The target that matters

While the “normal” range goes up to 0.42 mmol/L, the clinical target recommended by the Australian Rheumatology Association for managing gout is below 0.36 mmol/L.

Research consistently shows that keeping serum urate below 0.36 mmol/L significantly reduces gout risk.

This is the number to aim for.

If your result comes back at 0.39 mmol/L, it might technically fall within the “normal” range, but it’s above the recommended target.

For a detailed breakdown of what different levels mean, read our guide on uric acid levels explained.

Quick reference

• Below 0.36 mmol/L – Target range. This is where you want to be.
• 0.36 – 0.42 mmol/L – Elevated. Above the recommended target. Time to take action.
• Above 0.42 mmol/L – High. Outside the normal range entirely. Talk to your GP about a management plan.
• Above 0.50 mmol/L – Significantly elevated. Medical intervention may be needed alongside lifestyle changes.

Do You Need to Fast?

Generally, no.

Some doctors prefer a fasting sample for accuracy.

Check when you get the referral.

When to Get Tested

If you’ve never been tested

If you have any risk factors for gout, get a baseline test.

Risk factors include:

• Family history of gout or elevated uric acid
• Being overweight or obese
• Pacific Islander or Indigenous Australian background (higher genetic predisposition)
• Diet high in red meat, seafood, or sugar
• Regular alcohol consumption, especially beer
• Taking medications that can raise uric acid (diuretics, low-dose aspirin)
• Kidney issues
• Being a woman past menopause
• Age over 40 for men, over 50 for women

If you tick even one or two of those boxes, knowing your number is worth your time.

If you’re actively managing your levels

Once you know your levels are elevated and you’re taking steps to bring them down, retesting is how you track progress.

A reasonable schedule:

• Initial retest: 8-12 weeks after making changes
• Ongoing monitoring: Every 3-6 months while actively working to lower levels
• Maintenance: Once you’ve reached your target, annual testing is usually sufficient

Timing matters

• Fasting isn’t strictly required for a uric acid test, but some labs prefer it. Ask when you book.
• Avoid testing during or immediately after a flare-up. Uric acid levels can actually drop temporarily during acute episodes. Wait 2-4 weeks after symptoms settle for an accurate reading.
• Stay consistent. Try to test at similar times and conditions so your results are comparable.

What to Do With Your Results

Getting tested is step one.

Taking action is step two.

If your levels are above 0.36 mmol/L, start with the fundamentals:

• Clean up your diet: reduce high-purine foods, cut sugar, eat more gout-friendly foods
• Stay hydrated, especially in the Australian heat
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Consider targeted supplementation

If your levels are significantly elevated (above 0.42 mmol/L), talk to your GP about a comprehensive management plan.

Know Your Number

Too many Australians are walking around with elevated uric acid and don’t know it.

The test is simple, widely available, and gives you actionable information about your health.

URICAH was created to support healthy uric acid levels with 14 clearly labelled natural ingredients, no proprietary blends, and transparent dosages.

If your test shows elevated levels and you want practical support alongside diet and lifestyle changes, URICAH is designed for exactly that.

Over 2,200 customers have reviewed URICAH. Free shipping across Australia. 90-day money-back guarantee.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.