Ammonia, EDTA Whole Blood

Ammonia in the body is formed when protein is broken down by intestinal bacteria. The liver normally converts ammonia into urea and the urea is then eliminated in urine. Ammonia levels in the blood increase when the liver is not able to convert ammonia to urea, which is seen in cirrhosis or severe hepatitis. Increased ammonia levels may produce symptoms like Irritability, depression, drowsiness, poor memory and concentration, confusion, insomnia and coma. The ammonia test is used to detect an high levels of ammonia in the blood which may be due to liver disease, renal failure, or certain rare genetic urea cycle related disorders, to investigate causes of behavior changes, unconsciousness and coma seen in hepatic encephalopathy or Reye syndrome. An ammonia test may be done along with other tests like blood glucose, serum electrolytes, renal and liver function tests. Blood ammonia test is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in some cases.

1. Can blood ammonia test monitor ammonia poisoning?

No. Blood ammonia test ca ot detect or monitor ammonia poisoning.

2. What are the symptoms of high ammonia levels?

Increased ammonia levels may produce symptoms like Irritability, depression, drowsiness, poor memory and concentration, confusion, insomnia and coma.

3. How can high ammonia levels be treated?

High ammonia levels can be treated by lactulose (by treating constipation). Also treating the cause may reduce the ammonia levels.