How is Gout Diagnosed?

Medical professionals that work to diagnose gout actually do so in several ways. However, it is important to understand that the main means of doing so involves having a test that works to determine if there are crystals composed of uric acid in and/or around the joints of the body. This test is referred to as a “Joint Fluid Aspiration Test”.

If an individual suffers from a mild to moderate case of gout, it is typically easy to obtain the fluid from the joints for evaluation. Unfortunately, those with severe cases may not be able to withstand this particular test. As a result, the blood is tested to confirm a diagnosis. In this guide, you will learn about the unique steps that most doctors take in order to confirm gout.

Physical Examination

One of the first steps that are generally taken by a doctor to diagnose gout is a physical examination. In all instances of gout, the medical history of the sufferer is obtained and several questions are asked. This allows the doctor to evaluate the individual based on their unique medical history and symptoms.

Patients are often asked if anyone in their immediate family has experienced gout and other arthritic conditions, if infections have been experienced, and if injuries have been experienced in the past with the regions of the body that are experiencing the potential symptoms of gout.

Immediately after these types of questions have been asked, the doctor will initiate the physical examination. First, the body temperature will be obtained. Immediately thereafter, any and all swelling and irritations in and around the joints and along the skin will be examined. The general pain level of the patient will also be evaluated and assessed.

Uric Acid Testing of the Blood

If the medical professional feels as if the patient may have gout, they will typically order a blood test that helps to test the level of uric acid in the circulatory system. When the cells of the body break down and the foods that are consumed are broken down, uric acid develops. In most instances, this acid is passed through the means of a filtering system of the kidneys and through the bowels.

However, if there is too much acid in the body, it will start to infiltrate the blood of the body. This blood test is conducted much like other types of blood tests. The medical professional will wrap the arm in an elastic type band and will insert the needle in the arm in order to pull out an appropriate amount of blood for testing procedures.

In most cases, the physical examination and this particular blood test will allow a doctor to determine if a patient has the medical condition of gout. If gout is diagnosed, treatment to reduce the uric acid levels in the blood is usually initiated.