Ammonia (P)
Use
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.
Special Instructions
Collect blood from stasis‑free vein; 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.
Limitations
Not provided.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
EDTA (lavender‑top) tube
Collection Instructions
Collect blood from stasis‑free vein of patient; tubes should be filled completely, placed immediately on ice; separate plasma from cells within 15 minutes and freeze plasma immediately.
Patient Preparation
Patient should avoid smoking prior to phlebotomy.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; received thawed; PPT Potassium EDTA (white‑top) tube
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Frozen | 24 hours |