040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
The Ammonia Level Test measures the amount of ammonia in your blood. Ammonia is a waste product normally processed by the liver. This test helps doctors check how well your liver is working and diagnose conditions like liver disease or hepatic encephalopathy. In this guide, you’ll learn about the test’s purpose, how it’s done, preparation tips, what the results mean, and the estimated cost in India.
Purpose of the Ammonia Level Test
The primary purpose of the Ammonia Level Test is to evaluate how well your liver is processing ammonia. Because ammonia is toxic at high levels, measuring it in the blood can help identify several conditions such as:
- Liver dysfunction: Conditions like cirrhosis, hepatitis, or acute liver failure can impair the liver’s ability to remove ammonia.
- Hepatic encephalopathy: A serious brain condition was caused by excess ammonia affecting brain function, leading to confusion, altered consciousness, or even coma.
- Metabolic disorders: Rare inherited disorders that affect ammonia processing can also be detected.
Doctors often use this test to monitor patients with known liver disease or those who show neurological symptoms that might be related to ammonia toxicity.
Why is the Ammonia Level Test Important?
Monitoring ammonia levels is vital because ammonia toxicity can severely affect brain function and overall health. Without early detection and treatment, elevated ammonia can cause symptoms ranging from mild confusion to life-threatening coma. This test helps healthcare providers:
- Detect liver problems early before symptoms worsen.
- Assess the severity of hepatic encephalopathy to guide urgent treatment.
- Evaluate how well current treatments for liver disease are working.
- Identify metabolic conditions that may require specialized care.
By understanding ammonia levels, doctors can make informed decisions to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.
When is the Ammonia Level Test Recommended?
Your doctor may recommend this test under several circumstances, such as:
- If you experience unexplained neurological symptoms like confusion, forgetfulness, sleepiness, or personality changes, especially if you have a history of liver disease.
- When liver disease is suspected or confirmed, to evaluate how well the liver is functioning.
- To monitor patients with chronic liver conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.
- If you have symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, including disorientation, tremors, or decreased alertness.
- In newborns or children if inherited metabolic disorders affecting ammonia metabolism are suspected.
Routine ammonia testing is not common but is highly valuable for specific clinical scenarios.
How Does the Ammonia Level Test Work?
The test involves measuring ammonia concentration in a blood sample. Ammonia is produced mainly in the intestines when gut bacteria break down proteins, and the liver normally converts it to a less harmful substance called urea. When the liver is damaged or overwhelmed, this process is impaired, leading to ammonia accumulation in the bloodstream.
The test measures the amount of ammonia in your blood to check how well your liver is working and if there are any metabolic problems. This helps doctors decide on diagnosis and treatment.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionAmmonia Level Test Procedure
The Ammonia Level Test Procedure is quick and simple. Here's how it is performed:
How Should I Prepare for the Ammonia Level Test?
To ensure accurate results, it’s important to follow certain guidelines before your test:
- Fasting: Ask your doctor might you not to eat for 8 to 12 hours before the test because eating can raise ammonia levels for a short time.
- Avoid strenuous activity: Physical exertion before the test can increase ammonia in the blood, so rest well the day before.
- Medication disclosure: Consult your doctor about all medications and supplements you take, especially those affecting liver function or ammonia levels, such as diuretics or antibiotics.
- Calm environment: Stress and anxiety can affect results, so try to relax before and during the blood draw.
- Timing: The test is often performed early in the morning to reduce variability in ammonia levels.
What Type of Sample is Collected for the Ammonia Level Test?
A blood sample is collected for this test, usually from a vein in your arm. Because ammonia can quickly change after blood is drawn, the sample is placed in a special container and kept cold during transport to the lab. This careful handling ensures the test accurately reflects your body’s ammonia levels.
How is the Ammonia Level Test Performed?
You will sit comfortably to stay relaxed. The nurse will clean your arm with a wipe to keep it clean and sterile. Then, they will gently put a small needle into a vein and take some blood. After that, they will take out the needle and put a bandage on the spot to stop bleeding and keep it clean.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Schedule Your Appointment
Understanding Ammonia Level Test Results and Follow-Up
- Normal Range: Ammonia levels typically range from about 15 to 45 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL), but ranges may vary slightly between labs. Normal results indicate your liver is effectively processing ammonia.
- High Levels: Elevated ammonia can indicate liver dysfunction, hepatic encephalopathy, or metabolic issues. Symptoms may include confusion, fatigue, and altered consciousness.
- Low Levels: Rarely, low ammonia levels may be seen but are usually not clinically concerning.
If your results are not normal, your doctor may ask for more tests like liver checks, scans, or brain exams to find out the cause and decide on the right treatment.
What Should I Do After Getting My Ammonia Level Test Results?
After seeing your results, your doctor might suggest some next steps.
- Medication adjustments: If ammonia is high, medications like lactulose or antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce ammonia production in your gut.
- Dietary changes: Limiting protein intake temporarily can help reduce ammonia levels.
- Further testing: Additional imaging or blood tests may be ordered to assess liver damage or brain function.
- Hospitalization: Severe cases of hepatic encephalopathy might require urgent hospital care.
- Ongoing monitoring: You may need regular ammonia tests to keep an eye on your health and see how well your treatment is working.
Other Tests
Frequently Asked Questions
The test involves a simple blood draw, so you may feel a quick pinch or slight discomfort at the needle site, but it’s generally not painful.
You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for a few hours before the test. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely.
Yes, certain medications can affect the results. Always inform your doctor about any drugs or supplements you’re taking before the test.
Abnormal levels may indicate liver disease, kidney problems, or metabolic disorders. Your doctor will recommend further tests or treatment based on the findings.
The test is usually done when there are symptoms of liver or metabolic issues. Your doctor will decide the frequency based on your condition and treatment plan.
Results are usually available within a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the lab. Your healthcare provider will share and explain them with you.
The cost range of an Ammonia Test ranges between Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000 approximately depending on the factors of city, quality and availability.
