Uric Acid Test Price in the Philippines 2026: Lab Rates & Fasting

Blood sample being prepared for a uric acid test at a Philippine diagnostic laboratory.

Quick answer: A blood uric acid test in the Philippines costs approximately ₱105t to ₱350 at government hospitals and ₱130–₱415 through selected private laboratory booking services, based on the published rates reviewed by CareCostPH. Hi-Precision uric acid test prices through Hati Health start at ₱180, while selected Cebu branches list ₱230. Additional fees for blood extraction, home collection, or other laboratory tests can increase your total bill. These are observed published prices, not official nationwide averages.

When it is used: A uric acid test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood or urine. Doctors commonly request the blood test when evaluating suspected gout, painful or swollen joints, or monitoring uric-acid-lowering treatment. Uric acid testing may also be part of certain kidney stone evaluations or monitoring during cancer treatment. Although high uric acid can be associated with gout and kidney stones, a single abnormal result does not automatically diagnose either condition.

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Uric Acid Test Price in the Philippines

The most common test is the serum uric acid test, also called blood uric acid (BUA). It requires a small blood sample and is available at government hospitals, private hospitals, and diagnostic laboratories.

Uric Acid Test Price Comparison

Hospital or LaboratoryPublished PriceType
Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center₱105Government hospital
UP–Philippine General Hospital (PGH)₱105–₱255Government hospital
Bicol Medical Center₱195Government hospital
Ilocos Sur Medical Center₱350Government hospital
Exact Check via Hati Health₱130Private diagnostic center
Hi-Precision via Hati Health₱180Private diagnostic center
Hi-Precision Cebu via Hati Health₱230Private diagnostic center
Hi-Precision Plus via Hati Health₱240Private diagnostic center
Capitol University Medical Center₱215Private hospital
Healthway QualiMed via Hati Health₱415Private healthcare provider

These are facility-specific published examples, not a nationwide average. Online promotional prices may differ from walk-in rates. Some official price schedules have no stated update date, so current rates should be confirmed before visiting.

How much should you budget?

For a single routine blood uric acid test, ₱200–₱400 is a reasonable starting budget based on the prices reviewed. Some public hospitals and private laboratory promotions charge less, while additional services may increase your expense.

If your doctor orders a uric acid test together with creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), fasting blood sugar (FBS), or a lipid profile, the total cost will be higher unless the tests are included in a package.

Uric Acid Test Price at Government Hospitals

Government hospitals offer some of the lowest published prices, although the amount depends on the hospital and patient classification.

Government HospitalLocationPublished Blood Uric Acid Price
Don Jose S. Monfort Medical CenterBarotac Nuevo, Iloilo₱105
Philippine General HospitalManila₱105–₱255
Bicol Medical CenterNaga City, Camarines Sur₱195
Ilocos Sur Medical CenterCandon City, Ilocos Sur₱350

Philippine General Hospital (PGH)

UP-PGH publishes different laboratory charges based on patient-rate classifications. Its blood uric acid test ranges from ₱105 to ₱255 in the published schedule.

An additional blood extraction fee may apply depending on the patient’s classification. PGH also lists urine uric acid testing separately. Patients should verify their applicable classification before assuming they qualify for the lowest rate.

Bicol Medical Center

Bicol Medical Center’s May 2026 laboratory schedule lists:

  • Blood uric acid (BUA): ₱195
  • Blood extraction fee: ₱35

If the extraction fee applies separately, the combined charge would be ₱230 before any other applicable fees or benefits.

Ilocos Sur Medical Center

Ilocos Sur Medical Center lists a blood uric acid test at ₱350 in its indicative laboratory schedule, effective December 1, 2025. This is a published reference price and may change.

Are government hospitals always cheaper?

Not necessarily. A selected private laboratory’s online promotional price may be lower than a government hospital’s published rate. For example, Hati Health lists a ₱130 Exact Check option, compared with the ₱350 indicative price at Ilocos Sur Medical Center.

However, government hospitals may provide subsidies or special benefits for eligible patients. The best choice depends on the final payable amount, availability, location, and eligibility for assistance.

Uric Acid Test Price at Hi-Precision

Hi-Precision Diagnostics offers uric acid blood testing at numerous branches in the Philippines. Prices available through Hati Health include:

Hi-Precision OptionOnline PriceListed Regular Price
Hi-Precision₱180₱300
Hi-Precision Cebu₱230₱350
Hi-Precision Plus₱240₱360

These rates are for selected online bookings and are not guaranteed direct walk-in prices.

Hi-Precision branch availability

The Hati Health listings include participating branches in several locations:

  • Metro Manila: Quezon City, Makati, Taguig, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and other locations
  • Nearby provinces: Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, and Pampanga
  • Cebu: Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, Consolacion, and Liloan

The exact price can depend on the laboratory brand, location, and booking arrangement. For available branch options, visit Hati Health’s uric acid test listing.

Blood Uric Acid Test vs. Urine Uric Acid Test

There are two main ways to measure uric acid, and choosing the correct test matters.

Test TypePublished Price ExamplesMain Purpose
Blood uric acid (serum urate/BUA)₱105–₱415Gout evaluation, treatment monitoring, and selected medical assessments
Urine uric acid₱200–₱265 at PGHEvaluating uric acid excretion
24-hour urine uric acid₱290 at Capitol University Medical CenterAssessment of uric acid excretion, particularly in certain kidney stone evaluations

The prices above are selected listings, not ranges representing all Philippine facilities. The 24-hour urine price comes from a hospital schedule without a clearly stated recent effective date.

Blood uric acid test

This is the test most people mean when searching for uric acid test price. A medical technologist collects a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in the arm. The result measures how much uric acid is circulating in the blood.

Urine uric acid test

A urine uric acid test measures uric acid being excreted through the kidneys. A doctor may request urine testing when investigating certain types of kidney stones or abnormal uric acid excretion.

24-hour urine collection

For this test, the patient collects urine over a complete 24-hour period following the laboratory’s instructions. It provides information about total uric acid excretion rather than only the concentration in the blood.

Important: If your laboratory request says BUA or serum uric acid, do not book a urine uric acid test instead.

Is Fasting Required for a Uric Acid Test?

Fasting is not always necessary for a standalone uric acid blood test. Some Philippine laboratories explicitly state that no fasting or special preparation is needed. For example, Klaro Health and selected Hi-Precision listings through Hati Health allow testing without fasting.

Other medical references recommend a short fasting period before testing. MedlinePlus’s blood uric acid guidance advises four hours without food or drink unless instructed otherwise.

This means there is no single preparation rule that should be assumed for every Philippine laboratory.

Testing SituationPreparation
Standalone uric acid testSome laboratories require no fasting
Laboratory requesting a short fastFollow the specified fasting duration
Uric acid with fasting blood sugarFollow the fasting instructions for the combined tests
Uric acid with other blood chemistry testsConfirm preparation for the complete laboratory order
24-hour urine uric acidFollow the laboratory’s urine collection and storage instructions

What should you do before the test?

  • Confirm fasting instructions directly with the laboratory.
  • Ask whether plain water is allowed during any required fasting period.
  • Inform your doctor about medicines and supplements, particularly gout medicines and diuretics.
  • Avoid stopping prescribed medication without medical advice.
  • Follow any additional instructions concerning alcohol or food intake.

If you have already eaten, do not automatically cancel your appointment. Contact the laboratory first to confirm whether testing can proceed.

What Is a Uric Acid Test Used For?

1. Gout evaluation and monitoring

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis associated with deposits of urate crystals in or around joints. Symptoms can include sudden joint pain, swelling, warmth, and redness, frequently affecting the big toe, ankle, or knee.

A blood uric acid test can help with evaluation and monitoring, but it is not sufficient by itself to confirm gout. Patients receiving uric-acid-lowering medicines, such as allopurinol or febuxostat, may need repeat blood testing to assess treatment response.

2. Kidney stone assessment

Some kidney stones are made of uric acid. A doctor may request blood or urine uric acid testing when investigating recurrent stones or determining why particular stones formed. Other kidney-related tests may also be necessary.

3. Monitoring during cancer treatment

Certain cancer treatments can cause cells to break down rapidly, increasing the amount of uric acid released into the bloodstream. Doctors may monitor uric acid levels as part of care for patients at risk of complications from rapid cell breakdown.

4. Routine health checkups

Some comprehensive health screening and blood chemistry packages include uric acid testing. However, not everyone needs routine uric acid screening.

Its usefulness depends on the patient’s health history, symptoms, medications, and clinician’s assessment.

5. Pre-employment medical examinations

Some employers or occupational health providers include uric acid testing in their medical examination packages. It is not a universal requirement for all employment examinations in the Philippines.

If you need the employment test, ask your employer or accredited clinic whether it is part of the required package or must be paid for separately.

How Is the Uric Acid Test Performed?

The blood uric acid test is straightforward.

  1. A medical technologist prepares the collection site, usually on your arm.
  2. A small amount of blood is taken using a sterile needle.
  3. The blood is placed in a collection tube.
  4. The laboratory analyzes the sample.
  5. A report is issued showing your uric acid level and reference range.

The collection itself generally takes only a few minutes. Most patients can resume normal activities afterward, although minor soreness or bruising can occur at the puncture site.

How long before the results are ready?

Blood uric acid is a routine chemistry examination, and some laboratories can provide same-day results. However, the exact release schedule depends on the facility and laboratory workload.

Home collection services may have a different turnaround time. For example, Klaro Health says results are released the next day for most of its tests.

Ask the laboratory when you will receive the report and whether it will be available through email, an online portal, or in-person collection.

What Is the Normal Uric Acid Level?

Blood uric acid results are usually expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Reference ranges differ among laboratories, testing methods, and patient groups.

For illustration, MedlinePlus lists the following ranges:

GroupIllustrative Reference Range
Adult men4.0–8.6 mg/dL
Adult women3.0–7.1 mg/dL

These are examples from one medical reference, not universal Philippine laboratory cutoffs. Use the reference range printed on your laboratory report when discussing results with your healthcare professional.

What does high uric acid mean?

High blood uric acid is called hyperuricemia. It may be associated with gout, certain kidney conditions, medications, or other factors affecting uric acid production and excretion. Not everyone with high uric acid develops gout.

Can uric acid be normal during a gout attack?

Yes. Blood uric acid levels can sometimes be within a laboratory’s reference range during an acute gout attack. Doctors assess symptoms and may use additional examinations, including joint fluid analysis when appropriate.

A uric acid test alone should not be used to rule in or rule out gout.

Can You Get a Free Uric Acid Test Through PhilHealth?

PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) program provides access to primary care consultations and selected laboratory and diagnostic services through accredited YAKAP clinics.

However, a standalone walk-in uric acid test is not automatically free simply because someone is a PhilHealth member.

Whether the test can be provided under an applicable arrangement depends on the covered services, medical assessment, and facility requirements.

How to check PhilHealth eligibility

  1. Register or confirm your enrollment with a PhilHealth YAKAP clinic.
  2. Attend a consultation with the primary care provider.
  3. Explain your symptoms or bring relevant previous medical records.
  4. Ask whether the requested uric acid test is covered under your applicable benefits.
  5. Confirm the approved laboratory or referral process before testing.

PhilHealth also publishes an essential healthcare services costing schedule that includes ₱288 for blood uric acid testing. This amount is a costing reference, not a guaranteed patient charge, cash benefit, or automatic reimbursement.

For updated information, visit the official PhilHealth YAKAP website.

Does HMO Cover a Uric Acid Test?

A uric acid blood test may be eligible for outpatient laboratory coverage under some HMO plans when medically necessary. Coverage depends on your specific plan, remaining benefits, physician’s request, and laboratory accreditation.

An HMO may require a letter of authorization (LOA) before the examination. Check whether your chosen branch is accredited and whether the test will be paid directly by the HMO or reimbursed afterward.

Do not assume that a clinic accepting an HMO for some services means every laboratory test is covered.

Senior Citizen and PWD Discounts

Eligible senior citizens and persons with disabilities have important medical benefits under Philippine law.

Senior citizen benefits

Under Republic Act No. 9994, Filipino senior citizens aged 60 and above are entitled to a 20% discount and VAT exemption, where applicable, on qualifying medical and laboratory services.

Physician-requested diagnostic and laboratory tests necessary for diagnosis or treatment can qualify at private medical facilities.

The law also provides for free qualifying medical, diagnostic, and laboratory services in government facilities, subject to implementing guidelines.

Therefore, eligible seniors should ask the government hospital about free-test benefits before paying the regular listed rate.

PWD benefits

Under Republic Act No. 10754, eligible PWDs are entitled to a 20% discount and VAT exemption, where applicable, on qualifying diagnostic and laboratory services at government and private medical facilities.

What should you bring?

  • Valid senior citizen or PWD identification
  • Doctor’s laboratory request, when required
  • Other documents requested by the facility for benefit verification

If the laboratory already offers a promotional rate, ask which discount arrangement is applicable. Do not assume discounts can be stacked.

Other Charges That May Affect the Total Price

Although uric acid testing is relatively inexpensive, additional services can increase the cost.

Possible Extra ChargeWhen It Applies
Blood extraction feeSome laboratories charge separately for collecting the sample
Doctor consultationIf you need a consultation or medical evaluation
Additional blood chemistry testsIf BUN, creatinine, glucose, or other tests are requested
Home blood collectionWhen a medical technologist visits your address
Repeat testingIf follow-up monitoring is required

Example: Home-service cost

Exact Check’s Hati Health listing shows a ₱130 uric acid test, but its Metro Manila home collection option requires a minimum test order of ₱500, plus a home-service fee of ₱600–₱700.

Therefore, the advertised price of an individual uric acid test does not represent the total cost of that home-service arrangement.

Klaro Health separately lists a home collection visit charge of ₱299 for orders below its ₱1,800 free-visit threshold. Its uric acid test listing is ₱180, although the item was marked unavailable when reviewed.

If convenience is not essential, visiting a laboratory may be more economical.

Is Uric Acid Included in a Blood Chemistry Package?

Uric acid is frequently offered alongside other blood chemistry examinations.

Common related tests include:

  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
  • Serum creatinine and eGFR
  • Fasting or random blood sugar
  • Cholesterol and lipid profile
  • Liver enzymes such as SGPT and SGOT

However, packages labeled Chem-5, Chem-8, Chem-10, or similar names do not necessarily contain the same tests across laboratories. For example, Klaro Health lists a non-fasting Basic Chem 9 package containing uric acid and several other metabolic tests.

Ask for the complete test list and total package cost before choosing a bundle. If your doctor only requested uric acid testing, paying for a larger blood chemistry package may not be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a uric acid test in the Philippines?

Among the published rates reviewed, a blood uric acid test costs approximately ₱105–₱350 at selected government hospitals, while private online booking options start at ₱130 and reach at least ₱415 among the examples checked.

How much is the uric acid test at Hi-Precision?

Selected Hi-Precision uric acid tests are listed at ₱180 through Hati Health. Hi-Precision Cebu lists ₱230 and Hi-Precision Plus lists ₱240. These are online rates rather than guaranteed walk-in prices.

Is 8–12 hours of fasting required for uric acid testing?

Not necessarily. Several Philippine providers list no fasting requirement for standalone testing, while other references recommend fasting. Follow the specific instructions from your laboratory and requesting clinician.

Can I get a uric acid test without a doctor’s request?

Some diagnostic providers allow direct booking without a doctor’s request. Government hospital requirements and HMO or PhilHealth processes may differ.

Is uric acid testing painful?

The blood test involves a needle prick, which may cause brief discomfort. The actual sample collection normally takes only a few minutes.

Is a high uric acid level always gout?

No. High uric acid can occur without gout, and gout may sometimes occur even when a blood uric acid level is within the reported reference range.

Is there a urine uric acid test?

Yes. Urine testing may be requested for certain kidney stone investigations or to measure uric acid excretion. Some tests require collecting urine for 24 hours.

Can uric acid testing be free at a government hospital?

Qualifying senior citizens may be entitled to free physician-requested laboratory services in government facilities under applicable rules. Other assistance depends on facility policy, eligibility, and program coverage.

Before You Book Your Uric Acid Test

Before visiting the laboratory, confirm:

  1. Which test is required? Blood uric acid or urine uric acid?
  2. What is the total payable amount? Does the quoted rate include blood extraction?
  3. Is fasting necessary? If yes, for how long?
  4. Do you need a doctor’s request?
  5. When will your results be available?
  6. Are HMO, PhilHealth, senior citizen, or PWD benefits applicable?
  7. Is the promotional price available at your preferred branch?

For most people who need only a routine blood uric acid examination, comparing nearby hospital rates with selected diagnostic-center promotions is the easiest way to avoid overpaying.

Price takeaway: Government hospital prices reviewed start at ₱105, and selected online private laboratory rates start at ₱130. Hi-Precision online options start at ₱180. The cheapest advertised test is not always the cheapest overall visit, so compare preparation requirements, additional fees, and applicable benefits before booking.

How CareCostPH Checked These Prices

CareCostPH reviewed publicly available laboratory schedules from government hospitals, a private medical center, and diagnostic-center booking listings as of October 19, 2026.

The price comparisons use identifiable facility rates rather than unsupported nationwide averages. When an older or undated official schedule remains publicly available, its price is treated as a reference rather than a guaranteed current charge.

Medical disclaimer: Prices and availability can change. Confirm current fees and preparation requirements with your chosen facility. Laboratory results and decisions about testing or treatment should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

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