What is the Serum Ammonia Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is ammonia?
Ammonia is a waste product of the body produced during the digestion of protein. Several bacterias and cells are present in the gut which create ammonia. The conversion of ammonia into urea is further processed in the liver or released by the kidney via urine.
Also Read: BUN Test
What is a serum ammonia test?
The serum ammonia test rules out the level of ammonia in the blood. NH3 is another name for the Ammonia test.
What is the normal level of ammonia?
The normal range is 15 to 45 µ/dL (11 to 32 µmol/L).
Why the test is performed?
This test is required to rule out liver or kidney disease and brain disorders.
Symptoms include:
- Mental confusion
- Excessive sleep
- Mood swings
- Hand tremors
- Agitation
- Drowsiness
- Disorientation
- Seizures
What does a higher level of ammonia indicate?
A high level of ammonia indicates that you have liver or kidney disease.
- Liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Kidney failure and kidney disease
But there are other things that can cause an increased level of ammonia:
- Haemorrhage in the intestine, Oesophagus and stomach or other parts of the body
- Drug use and alcohol intake also cause a higher level of ammonia
- Smoking
- Recent physical activity
- Tourniquet use.
- Barbiturates
- diuretics
What does a low level of ammonia indicate?
The lower level of ammonia indicates:
- the sudden rise in blood pressure.
- Prolonged use of antibiotics
- Hypothyroidism
- Lactobacillus
- Potassium salt
Also Read: Blood Gas Test
For more information, you can visit Testing .com and WebMD.
