Sign in →

Test Code LAB47 Ammonia

Important Note

Special handling required.  Refer to Specimen Requirements.

Useful For

  • Assisting in the diagnosis of hepatic coma, Reye's syndrome, liver failure, viral hepatitis or cirrhosis
  • Investigating and monitoring treatment for inborn errors of metabolism
  • Evaluating patients with advanced liver disease

Methodology

Enzymatic method, with glutamate dehydrogenase

Performing Laboratory

Bozeman Health Laboratory Services

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube: EDTA plasma (purple top)

Specimen Volume: Full tube

Collection Instructions:

  1. Smoking should be avoided prior to sampling. 
  2. Release tourniquet before blood draw.
  3. Tube must be completely filled.
  4. Mix and immediately place specimen on wet ice.
  5. Do not uncap tube once specimen is drawn.
  6. Forward promptly.  Analysis must be performed within 60 minutes of venipuncture.
  7. If unable to perform testing within 60 minutes, freeze separated plasma immediately.

Specimen Rejection: Hemolyzed samples may be rejected.

Specimen Transport Temperature

On wet ice

Specimen Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time

EDTA plasma-spun and separated within 60 minutes

 Frozen 3 weeks

Reference Values

Male: 16-60 uMol/L

Female: 11-51 uMol/L

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82140