Ammonia Blood Test - More Information

The ammonia blood test, also known as an ammonia level test, ammonia test, and ammonia lab test, measures the ammonia blood level.

Ammonia is typically considered both a building block and a waste product in humans. As a building block, it is involved with forming amino acids that are used to make proteins. In a metabolic process known as the urea cycle, the liver turns ammonia into another waste product called urea. Ammonia also has a role in buffering acidity in the product and, when no longer needed, is excreted out through the kidney and into the urine.

Elevated levels of ammonia are sometimes seen in people with increased protein metabolism and liver problems. At high levels, ammonia can become toxic in the body. High ammonia levels, or hyperammonemia, can lead to neurological dysfunction and, if untreated, death. Increase ammonia blood levels can also be seen in certain genetic abnormalities and as a consequence of overuse of specific medications.

To get an ammonia test near you, order online and get your blood drawn at the Quest Diagnostics lab you selected. Once your ammonia lab results are ready, they will be electronically available. As can be seen on the ammonia sample lab report above, ammonia blood levels are reported as a number and can be compared against the reference range provided by the lab.