NH3 test

Ammonia

About the parameter

Protein digestion produces ammonia within the intestine by deamination of amino acid. Ammonia reaches the liver by portal blood where it is attached to the urea (main path for intestinal ammonia within the urea). Heavy liver dysfunction (e.g. shunt, cirrhosis) can prevent the liver of synthesizing ammonia into urea.

As a result one will receive a lowered urea speculum in relation to creatinine as well as increased blood ammonia. Ammonia and other protein metabolism (aromatic amino acids) that get out of control of the liver metabolism can affect the central nervous system (hepatoenzephale syndrome).

Overview

Sample material

The accuracy of ammonia determination is extremely dependent on sample collection. Use only fresh li-hep or EDTA plasma (ammonia heparin plasma or serum must not be used).

After drawing the blood immediately centrifuge the collection tube to get plasma. The plasma sample has to be analysed within 5 minutes on the instrument.

Method / Measurement range

Enzymatic test. Photometric measurement of the absorbance rate (kinetic) at 340 nm wavelength.

10 – 1100 µmol/L (LOT dependent)

Test duration

The test takes approximately 8.5 minutes.

Package insert

More details can be found in the package insert.

Please note: All package inserts provided on this website are intended for information purposes only! Always process all tests, controls and calibrators strictly according to the package insert provided with the kit.