What is an Ammonia Level Test?

This test measures the level of ammonia in your blood. Ammonia, also referred to as NH3, is a waste product generated when the body breaks down protein. Under normal circumstances, the liver processes ammonia and converts it into urea, which is another waste product. The urea is then eliminated from the body through urine.

If your body cannot properly process or eliminate ammonia, it accumulates in the blood. This can be detected through a serum ammonia level test or an ammonia level blood test. High ammonia levels can cause serious health concerns such as brain damage, unconsciousness, and other severe conditions.

The most common cause of elevated ammonia levels is liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Other causes include kidney failure and genetic disorders.

Ammonia builds up in the blood if your body is unable to adequately digest or eliminate it. An ammonia level blood test or a serum ammonia level test can identify this. Elevated ammonia levels have the potential to result in major health issues, including

Liver diseases like cirrhosis or hepatitis are the most frequent cause of increased ammonia levels. Renal failure and genetic diseases are additional factors.

Other Names of the Ammonia levels Test

  • NH3 test
  • Serum NH3
  • Ammonia plasma test
  • Ammonia blood test

What is the Use of the Ammonia Level Test?

An ammonia level test can be used to diagnose and monitor conditions that result in high ammonia levels, such as:

  • Hepatic encephalopathy: Occurs when the liver is too diseased or damaged to effectively process ammonia, causing ammonia to accumulate in the blood and travel to the brain. This condition can cause confusion, disorientation, and even coma, and it can sometimes be life-threatening.
  • Reye syndrome: A rare but serious disorder that causes liver and brain damage, primarily affecting children and teenagers who have taken aspirin to treat viral illnesses like chickenpox or the flu. Though the exact cause is unknown, due to the risk, aspirin should not be given to children unless prescribed.
  • Urea cycle disorders: These are rare genetic conditions that impair the body’s ability to convert ammonia to urea.

This test can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for liver disease or kidney failure, including monitoring ammonia level tests for hepatitis patients.

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What is the Need for an Ammonia Level Test?

An ammonia level test is necessary if you have liver disease and experience symptoms of a brain-related issue, including:

  • Confusion
  • Excessive sleepiness (hypersomnia)
  • Disorientation (confusion about time, place, and surroundings)
  • Mood swings
  • Hand tremors

In children, the test may be ordered if they show symptoms of Reye syndrome, such as:

  • Vomiting
  • Sleepiness
  • Irritability
  • Seizures

For newborns, this test may be needed if they exhibit similar symptoms, which could indicate a urea cycle disorder. Detecting symptoms of high ammonia levels in adults or children is critical for timely treatment.


What Happens During an Ammonia Level Test?

During the ammonia blood test procedure, a healthcare professional will use a small needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm. After the needle is inserted, a small sample of blood will be collected in a vial or test tube. You may feel a slight sting when the needle is inserted or removed. This process usually takes less than five minutes.

In some cases, an arterial blood sample might be required, as it can provide more detailed information about ammonia levels. This type of test is not commonly used, but a syringe may be inserted into an artery at your wrist, elbow crease, or groin for this purpose.

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Are There Any Risks Associated with the Test?

A blood test poses little to no risk. You might experience mild discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted, but it typically goes away quickly.

For infants, a healthcare provider may use a small needle to prick the baby’s heel. A few drops of blood will be collected, and the wound will be covered with a bandage.


What Do the Ammonia Level Test Results Mean?

If your blood ammonia levels are elevated, it may be an indication of:

  • Liver conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
  • Hepatic encephalopathy
  • Kidney disease or kidney failure
  • In children and teens, it might suggest Reye syndrome
  • In newborns, high ammonia levels could indicate a genetic urea cycle disorder

Normal ammonia levels in blood vary, and the ammonia blood test normal range will depend on the lab performing the test. However, if your results fall outside the ammonia level normal range, additional tests may be needed to determine the exact cause of the elevated ammonia levels. Your treatment plan will be based on your specific diagnosis.

Important Information to Know About an Ammonia Test

Some doctors believe that ammonia plasma test results from arterial blood may provide more accurate information than results from venous blood. If this is the case, a clinician will draw an arterial blood sample from your wrist, elbow crease, or groin area.

If you have any concerns about your test results, consult your doctor for further guidance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Ammonia Test indicate?

This test is used to diagnose and track hepatic encephalopathy, a serious liver illness.

What does a high Ammonia level mean?

High blood ammonia levels can cause major health concerns such as brain damage, unconsciousness, and serious illness. High blood ammonia levels are most commonly caused by liver illness.

What is a normal Ammonia Level?

The regular or normal range is 15–45mcg/dL (11–32 mol/L). Normal value ranges may change slightly between laboratories. Some laboratories may employ different metrics or test different substances. Discuss the significance of your individual test findings with your clinician.

Does an Ammonia Blood Test require fasting?

Yes, patients might be asked to fast for 12 to 14 hours in order to avoid lipemia, which can interfere with the test.

What is the cost of an Ammonia Test?

The cost range of an Ammonia Test ranges between Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000 approximately depending on the factors of city, quality and availability.

Where can I get an Ammonia Test in Hyderabad?

You can get an Ammonia Test in Hyderabad at Medicover Hospitals. It provides a wide range of pathological tests at an affordable cost price.

Where can I get the best treatment for high Ammonia levels in Hyderabad?

Get the best treatment for high Ammonia levels at Medicover Hospitals. It has the best doctors available who treat various patient conditions.

What causes high ammonia levels?

High ammonia levels are typically caused by liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, which prevent the liver from properly processing ammonia. Other causes include kidney failure and genetic urea cycle disorders.

How do you test ammonia levels in water?

Ammonia levels in water are tested using chemical test kits or digital meters, which measure the concentration of ammonia in parts per million (ppm). These tests help monitor water quality in environments like aquariums or natural water sources.

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