Ammonia
| Category | Biochemistry |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Impaired metabolism of proteins secondary to a urea-cycle defect (inborn error of metabolism), severe liver disease, a reduction in vascular perfusion of the liver, renal failure and Reye's syndrome all cause the accumulation of toxic levels of ammonia in the blood. |
| Clinical Indications |
Irritability, tiredness, seizures, respiratory failure, difficulty in breathing and vomiting in neonates/infants Presentation of hepatic encephalopathy-type symptoms |
| Reference range | 0-50 μmol/L Neonates: 0-100 μmol/L
Premature neonates: 0-150 μmol/L
|
| Sample & container required | Lithium Heparin (green top) on ice rush to laboratory |
| Sample volume | 0.5 mL |
| Turnaround time | Within 4 hours |