Making the Diagnosis
The symptoms and signs of an acute gout attack are so clear that a doctor
can usually be quite sure of the diagnosis just from your history and physical
exam. Blood tests showing hyperuricemia can support the diagnosis, but aren't
necessary for it. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may insert a needle
into the joint and draw out some fluid to examine under a microscope. If it's
gout, needle-shaped uric acid crystals will show up when the fluid is viewed
under polarizing light.