Ammonia
Test Summary
Ammonia is one of the by-products of protein metabolism. Elevated blood ammonia levels have been associated with severe liver dysfunction such as hepatic encephalopathy, coma resulting from cirrhosis, severe hepatitis, Reye's syndrome, and drug hepatotoxicity. Also, elevated blood ammonia has been reported in cardiac failure, azotemia, and pulmonary emphysema. Correlation between plasma ammonia and the degree of encephalopathy can be erratic.
Aliases
- NH3
- NH4
- NH4+
- Plasma Ammonia
- Ammonia Level
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
- Do not utilize a tourniquet on patient if possible.
- Patient should not clench fist during collection as muscular exertion can increase venous ammonia levels.
- Patient should avoid smoking prior to phlebotomy since smoking increases plasma ammonia levels.
- Tubes should be filled completely and kept tightly stoppered at all times.
Preferred Specimen
1mL Frozen plasma collected in a K2EDTA Lavender Tube
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
- Collect sample in a K2EDTA Lavender tube ensuring tube is filled completely.
- Invert tube gently 3-5 times.
- Place specimen immediately on ice while awaiting centrifugation.
- Centrifuge tube immediately after collection.
- Transfer plasma to a labeled plastic transport tube within 20 minutes of collection.
- Place transport tube in freezer or on dry ice within 30 minutes of collection.
If Unable to centrifuge and separate, patient must be referred to a CompuNet PSC for collection.
Patient Preparation
Patient should be fasting and avoid smoking prior to collection.
Storage
Plastic transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Frozen K2EDTA Plasma
Specimen Stability
- Plasma separated from cells
- Room Temperature = 30 minutes
- Refrigerated = 2 hour
- Frozen = 72 hours
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Order Code
NH3
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB034
Includes
N/A
CPT Code
- 82140
Billing Code
- 300000
CPT Statement
Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine OH, 45439
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine OH, 45439
Reference Range
11-35 mcmol/L
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
24/7; Report available: Daily
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
- Do not utilize a tourniquet on patient if possible.
- Patient should not clench fist during collection as muscular exertion can increase venous ammonia levels.
- Patient should avoid smoking prior to phlebotomy since smoking increases plasma ammonia levels.
- Tubes should be filled completely and kept tightly stoppered at all times.
Preferred Specimen
1mL Frozen plasma collected in a K2EDTA Lavender Tube
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
- Collect sample in a K2EDTA Lavender tube ensuring tube is filled completely.
- Invert tube gently 3-5 times.
- Place specimen immediately on ice while awaiting centrifugation.
- Centrifuge tube immediately after collection.
- Transfer plasma to a labeled plastic transport tube within 20 minutes of collection.
- Place transport tube in freezer or on dry ice within 30 minutes of collection.
If Unable to centrifuge and separate, patient must be referred to a CompuNet PSC for collection.
Patient Preparation
Patient should be fasting and avoid smoking prior to collection.
Storage
Plastic transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Frozen K2EDTA Plasma
Specimen Stability
- Plasma separated from cells
- Room Temperature = 30 minutes
- Refrigerated = 2 hour
- Frozen = 72 hours
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Result Information
Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
11-35 mcmol/L
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
24/7; Report available: Daily