Ammonia, also known as NH3, is a waste product made by the body, during the digestion of proteins. Normally, ammonia is processed in the liver, where it is changed into another waste product called urea. Urea is excreted in urine. If one cannot eliminate ammonia, it builds up in the blood and lead to brain damage, coma and death. Ammonia, increases in kidney diseases because of the reduced kidney elimination (clearance) capacity or increased accumulation because of the liver disorders.
Interpretation: When ammonia increases in blood, it accumulates in brain, passes the brain barrier and causes confusion, disorientation and coma. In Reye’s syndrome, ammonia damages liver cells and brain after taking aspirin medication in order to treat viral infections. The cause of Reye’s syndrome is still not known. Ammonia may also increase in rare urea cycle disorders where there is a metabolic defect in converting ammonia to urea. Low levels may be due to malnutrition.
Sample: Arm vein :EDTA Plasma. Nonfasting. No smoking a few hours before the test
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: Next day 6:00 PM
