How is gout diagnosed?

Many people with gout have a family history of the condition. Oftentimes, doctors can diagnose gout just by its symptoms. However, in addition to a physical examination of the affected joint, your doctor can take some fluid from the area to check for the presence of uric crystals.

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Many people with gout have a family history of the condition. Oftentimes, doctors can diagnose gout just by its symptoms. However, in addition to a physical examination of the affected joint, your doctor can take some fluid from the area to check... More

Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:

In addition to a complete medical history and a physical examination, a diagnosis of gout may be confirmed with the examination of a fluid sample from the joint for the presence of urate crystals.

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In addition to a complete medical history and a physical examination, a diagnosis of gout may be confirmed with the examination of a fluid sample from the joint for the presence of urate crystals. More

Natural Standard, The Authority on Integrative Medicine answered:

If gout is suspected, a healthcare provider will take a sample of synovial fluid from the affected joint. This sample is analyzed to look for uric acid crystals in the white blood cells. If crystals are present, a positive diagnosis is made.

If gout is diagnosed, a healthcare provider may also take a urine sample to determine how much uric acid is being excreted. This is because some cases of gout occur when individuals do not excrete enough uric acid. The patient is asked to collect his/her urine over a 24-hour period. The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to determine if the person has higher-than-normal uric acid levels in the urine.

A uric acid blood test may also be performed to determine if the patient has high levels of uric acid in the blood.

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More Related Answers from Natural Standard, The Authority on Integrative Medicine

If gout is suspected, a healthcare provider will take a sample of synovial fluid from the affected joint. This sample is analyzed to look for uric acid crystals in the white blood cells. If crystals are present, a positive diagnosis is made. If... More

Healthwise answered:

Exams and tests that may help with diagnosis and treatment of gout include:

A joint fluid analysis (arthrocentesis) to see whether uric acid crystals are present. This is the only certain way to diagnose gout.
A medical history and physical exam.
A test to measure levels of uric acid in blood. This may be done if your doctor cannot safely get fluid from the affected joint.
A test to measure levels of uric acid in urine.

While X-rays of extremities (hands and feet) are sometimes useful in the late stages of the disease, X-rays aren't usually helpful in the early diagnosis. Pain often causes people to seek medical attention before any long-term changes can be seen on an X-ray. But X-rays may help to rule out other causes of arthritis.

Your doctor may evaluate you for lead poisoning if you have been exposed to lead in your job or through hobbies.