AMMONIA

Message

It is critical that samples are collected and processed according to the manufacturers recommendations to avoid falsely elevated results.

Test Code

AMMON

CPT Codes
82140

Preferred Specimen

1 Lavender tube (EDTA)
Plasma separator tubes (Pearl top) cannot be used

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

None

Instructions

Fill collection tube completely and immediately place on ice. Centrifuge the sample as soon as possible and separate plasma from cells. Aliquot/transfer plasma into a transfer tube then freeze.

Blood should be collected into EDTA or heparin tubes, separated immediately, and the plasma kept on ice until analysis. Ammonia is stable in plasma for a maximum of 3 hours under these conditions. If sample separation from cells cannot be achieved, the sample should be kept on ice until submission to the laboratory, however ammonia will be less accurate.

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

2-4°C stable 3 hours
-20°C stable 24 hours

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

The following conditions will result in a rejected sample:

Hemolyzed
Frozen whole blood
Plasma submitted room temperature
Plasma submitted >3 hours refrigerated
Plasma seperator (Pearl top) tubes will be rejected

Methodology

Direct Enzymatic

Setup Schedule

M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun

Report Available

Within 24 hours of receipt at the performing laboratory.

Reference Range

16 - 53 µmol/L

Clinical Significance

Ammonia is a waste product formed primarily by bacteria in the intestines during the digestion of protein. Excess ammonia can accumulate in the blood if it is not processed and cleared from the body.

Elevated ammonia levels can be caused by severe liver disease, kidney failure, Reye syndrome or a rare genetic disorder of the urea cycle.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NCHB1 (Chemistry, Beckman AU)

Last Updated: June 8, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.