Yashoda Hospitals > Diagnostics > Ammonia Test

What is an Ammonia test?

Ammonia test, also called NH3 test, blood ammonia test, or serum ammonia test, is conducted to measure the ammonia levels in the blood. Ammonia is a waste product generated in our bodies during protein digestion. Bacteria in our gut and cells create ammonia. Ammonia is further processed in our liver and converted into urea, another waste product that can flush through the body with urine. If you are unable to process ammonia, the levels of ammonia buildup in the bloodstream can cause serious health issues.

What is an Ammonia Test used for?

Ammonia test is used to detect causes or diseases causing abnormal ammonia levels. It is also used to monitor the ammonia levels in the bloodstream for existing health problems.

Understanding the test results of the Ammonia test

Your ammonia levels in the test can either be normal or be high. High ammonia levels in the bloodstream can be a sign of an unhealthy liver. In adults, high ammonia levels can be an indication of liver cirrhosis, encephalopathy, kidney diseases, or even kidney failure. In teens and children, Reye syndrome can be the cause of high ammonia levels. In infants, it can be due to genetic conditions or hemolytic disease. 

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    You need an ammonia test if you are suffering from liver diseases and your symptoms match with a brain disorder. Signs and symptoms include : 

    • Dizziness
    • Excessive sleep
    • Mood swings
    • Hand tremors 
    • Confused state of mind

    Children and infants need this test if they are showing symptoms like: 

    • Vomiting 
    • Seizures
    • Irritability 
    • Sleepless nights 

    You will be asked to give your blood sample and your urine sample. To collect blood samples, a healthcare professional will inject a needle, attached with an empty vial in your arms to collect the blood. For a newborn, their heel is first cleaned with alcohol and then a small needle is poked to collect a few drops of blood. 

    Yes, 12-14 hours of fasting is required from the scheduled time of sample collection. You are also not supposed to drink anything other than water and smoke 8 hours before an ammonia blood test. Try to avoid strenuous physical exercise before the test. 

    Ammonia is a very toxic compound for the human brain. It can cause low energy, confusion, and even coma or death in certain cases. It is also done to check for severe liver diseases like hepatic encephalopathy and kidney dysfunction.

    It shows the level of ammonia in the body. The normal range is 15 to 45 µ/dL (11 to 32 µmol/L). Anything above this range is considered to be an abnormal level and needs immediate medical attention. A high ammonia level can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney disorders and failure, low potassium level, hyperthermia, urinary tract infections, and Reye syndrome in infants. 

    Yes, constipation increases the intestinal production and absorption of ammonia leading to high levels of ammonia into the bloodstream. Severe constipation for more than a week is a sign of liver encephalopathy. 

    It depends upon your condition and treatment. Some lifestyle changes can avoid side effects on health and maintain the ammonia level. Apart from taking medications, here are a few things you can do to control or lower your ammonia levels: 

    • Stop smoking and consuming alcohol
    • Do not eat a protein-rich diet
    • Control your blood pressure
    • Eat green vegetables 
    • Drink lots of water

    Unhealthy liver and kidney are the major causes of ammonia elevation in the body. The liver converts the waste product 'ammonia' into urea, which flushes out of the body. When the liver is unhealthy, ammonia does not get converted into urea and the waste product goes directly into the bloodstream, causing life-threatening conditions, which may include brain damage and also lead to the death of a person. 

    Well, you are just a click away if your doctor has prescribed an ammonia test. Book an appointment or get a free second opinion at Yashoda Hospitals today!