A serum uric acid blood test, also known as a serum uric acid measurement, determines how much uric acid is present in your blood. The test can reveal how well your body produces and eliminates uric acid. Uric acid is a chemical that is generated when your body breaks down meals that contain purines, which are organic molecules. Purines are substances found in your own cells and also in some foods. Purines are found in foods such as liver, anchovies, sardines, dry beans, and beer. The majority of uric acid dissolves in your blood and then travels to your kidneys.