Ammonia

Test Code

NH3

Alias/See Also

NH3

CPT Codes
82140

Preferred Specimen

Plasma: EDTA on ICE (ICE). No clenched fist during collection.
Ideally, the collection tube should be completely filled with blood and immediately placed on ice.

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma: Heparin (GRN)

Instructions

Deliver on ice.
LAB: Centrifuge (cold) the sample as soon as possible and separate the plasma. Keep samples at 2-8⁰C until analysis. Analyze as soon as possible.

Specimen Stability

Ammonia samples are stable for 3 hours at 2 - 8⁰C. Do NOT freeze sample.

Methodology
Beckman AU

Setup Schedule

24x7

Report Available

<1 day

Reference Range

10-47 umol/L

Clinical Significance

Ammonia is derived from the catabolism of amino acids and from the action of intestinal bacteria on dietary protein and is converted to urea in the liver hepatocytes and so is rendered non-toxic. Under normal circumstances the concentration of ammonia in the circulation remains low, typically less than 50 Âµmol/L (85 Âµg/dL). Studies have shown that excess ammonia can have a toxic effect on the central nervous system and clinical manifestations are typically neurological disturbances.

Elevated levels of ammonia may be either due to inborn errors of metabolism or as secondary to other conditions.

Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory
CCMC Laboratory
CCI Laboratory

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.