Start with the clinical pattern

A clinician looks at the speed of onset, affected joints, prior episodes, health conditions, medicines, family history, and possible alternatives.

Testing answers different questions

Serum urate measures urate in the blood. Joint-fluid microscopy can identify crystals and help evaluate for infection. Ultrasound or dual-energy CT may help in selected situations when the diagnosis remains uncertain.

  • A low urate result during a flare may need repeating later
  • High urate without symptoms is not automatically gout
  • Joint infection can coexist with or resemble crystal arthritis
Primary and clinical sources

Read the evidence

GoutCura summarizes sources; it does not replace the full guideline, device labeling, or clinician judgment.

NICE: Gout diagnosis and managementNIAMS: Gout diagnosis and treatment