Expert: Samantha, MLT (ASCP) - 10/26/2009

Question
My doctor left a phone message that the following two blood tests were "normal." - TRP and Uric Acid. What do these test for?

Thanks, Pat

Answer
Hi Pat.  A blood test for uric acid measures the amount of uric acid in the blood (obviously!).  Increased concentrations of uric acid can cause crystals to form in the joints, which leads to the joint inflammation and pain characteristic of gout. Uric acid can also form crystals or kidney stones that can damage the kidneys.  As for TRP, I don't think there's a blood test called that.  Are you sure it was TRP?  Maybe it was CRP (a test for inflammation)?

Samantha