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Test Code NH3 Ammonia

Important Note

Note: Deliver on ICE  within 15 minutes of collection.

Note: Specimen change effective April 25, 2016. Specimen must be collected in Lavender Top Tube (K2EDTA)

Performing Laboratory

Hunterdon Medical Center Laboratory

Useful For

Hyperammonemia in infants can be caused by inherited deficiencies of the urea cycle or acquired through acute or chronic liver disease. In adults, elevated ammonia levels can aid in the diagnosis of liver failure or hepatic encephalopathy from advanced liver diseases such as viral hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Specimen Required

 

Container/Tube

 Lavender Top (K₂ EDTA)
Specimen Volume 4.0 mL Fill tube completely, if possible.
Minimum Specimen Volume  1.0 mL

Specimen Type

Plasma

Specimen Transport Temperature

Deliver On Ice ≤ 15 minutes.

Specimen Stability

Centrifuge specimen and perform testing within 30 minutes.

 

Temperature Time Frame
Refrigerated 2-8°C ≤ 30 minutes

Reject Specimen Due To

Specimen received at ambient temperature, not on ice.

Day(s) Test Set up

Monday through Sunday

Available STAT

Reference Values

 

Female 11.0-51.0 µmol/L
Male 16.0-60.0 µmol/L

Methodology

Enzymatic method, with glutamate dehydrogenase.

CPT Code

82140

Loinc Code

16362-6