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HelpTest Code Ammon Ammonia Level
Aliases
NH3, Blood Ammonia
Patient Preparation
If possible, patient should be fasting
Collection Method
Collect from stasis free vein. Tube should be completely filled and tightly stoppered. Place immediately on ice for transport to lab. Must be separated from cells via centrifugation if testing delayed >30 minutes. If shipping from a location outside of the hospital, please separate plasma from cells and freeze plasma before shipping.
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL (however, tube should be completely full on collection)
Container
Purple (EDTA)
Preferred Specimen
Plasma (K2 EDTA)
Acceptable Specimens
Pink or Purple Top (K2/K3 EDTA)
Reference or Target Ranges
| Female | 11 – 51 umol/L |
| Male | 16 – 60 umol/L |
Reportable Units
umol/L
Critical Value
≥120 umol/L
Reasons for Rejection
| Hemolysis Threshold | 100 mg/dL |
| Icterus Threshold | 60 mg/dL |
| Lipemia Threshold | 700 mg/dL |
| Other | QNS, contaminated, improperly labeled, improper specimen type |
Specimen Stability
| Ambient | N/A |
| Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) | 2 hours (plasma removed from cells) |
| Frozen(-40°C to 0°C) | 3 days (plasma removed from cells) |
Performance Information
| Days and Time Performed | 24/7 |
| Expected Turn Around Time | Stat: 1 hour Routine: 4 hours |
| Stat Availability | Yes |
| Performing Bench | UH Chemistry, WCH Chemistry |
| Methodology/Method Description | Roche Cobas – Enzymatic method, with glutamate dehydrogenase |
Special Handling
Plasma must be separated from cells within 30 minutes. Must be recevied on ice. Thaw only once
Additional Information/Important Notes
No backorders, cannot share with other tests
CPT Codes
82140