What is an Ammonia test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do I need an Ammonia Test?

You need an ammonia test if you are suffering from liver diseases and your symptoms match with a brain disorder. Signs and symptoms include : 

• Dizziness
• Excessive sleep
• Mood swings
• Hand tremors 
• Confused state of mind

Children and infants need this test if they are showing symptoms like: 

• Vomiting 
• Seizures
• Irritability 
• Sleepless nights 

What happens during an Ammonia test?

You will be asked to give your blood sample and your urine sample. To collect blood samples, a healthcare professional will inject a needle, attached with an empty vial in your arms to collect the blood. For a newborn, their heel is first cleaned with alcohol and then a small needle is poked to collect a few drops of blood. 

Do you need to fast for an ammonia blood test?

Yes, 12-14 hours of fasting is required from the scheduled time of sample collection. You are also not supposed to drink anything other than water and smoke 8 hours before an ammonia blood test. Try to avoid strenuous physical exercise before the test. 

When should ammonia levels be checked?

Ammonia is a very toxic compound for the human brain. It can cause low energy, confusion, and even coma or death in certain cases. It is also done to check for severe liver diseases like hepatic encephalopathy and kidney dysfunction.

What does an ammonia blood test show?

It shows the level of ammonia in the body. The normal range is 15 to 45 µ/dL (11 to 32 µmol/L). Anything above this range is considered to be an abnormal level and needs immediate medical attention. A high ammonia level can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney disorders and failure, low potassium level, hyperthermia, urinary tract infections, and Reye syndrome in infants. 

Can constipation cause high ammonia levels?

Yes, constipation increases the intestinal production and absorption of ammonia leading to high levels of ammonia into the bloodstream. Severe constipation for more than a week is a sign of liver encephalopathy. 

How long does it take to get ammonia levels down?

It depends upon your condition and treatment. Some lifestyle changes can avoid side effects on health and maintain the ammonia level. Apart from taking medications, here are a few things you can do to control or lower your ammonia levels: 

• Stop smoking and consuming alcohol
• Do not eat a protein-rich diet
• Control your blood pressure
• Eat green vegetables 
• Drink lots of water

What can cause elevated ammonia levels?

Unhealthy liver and kidney are the major causes of ammonia elevation in the body. The liver converts the waste product 'ammonia' into urea, which flushes out of the body. When the liver is unhealthy, ammonia does not get converted into urea and the waste product goes directly into the bloodstream, causing life-threatening conditions, which may include brain damage and also lead to the death of a person. 

Well, you are just a click away if your doctor has prescribed an ammonia test. Book an appointment or get a free second opinion at Yashoda Hospitals today!