Doctors test the level of uric acid in the blood to help them understand and treat different health problems that affect the kidneys and other parts of the body. This test is especially important for people who might have kidney problems, a type of arthritis called gout, blood diseases like leukemia, skin conditions such as psoriasis, or those who are not eating enough due to illness or other reasons. It is also used for people who are taking strong medicine to treat cancer, as these medicines can affect uric acid levels.