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Ammonia Testing: Process and Outcomes

Discover the importance of ammonia testing for environmental and industrial applications. Learn about the testing process, common outcomes, and how to interpret the results to ensure safety and compliance.

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Written by Dr. Siri Nallapu

Reviewed by Dr. Md Yusuf Shareef MBBS

Last updated on 29th Aug, 2025

ammonia

Ammonia is a natural waste product formed in the body when proteins are broken down. Normally, the liver converts ammonia into urea, which is then removed from the body through urine. However, if the liver isn’t functioning properly, ammonia levels can rise, leading to serious health issues.

An ammonia test measures the amount of ammonia in your blood. High ammonia levels can cause confusion, fatigue, and even life-threatening complications if left untreated. This test is often recommended for people with liver disease, unexplained neurological symptoms, or metabolic disorders.

Why is Ammonia Testing Done?

Your doctor may suggest an ammonia test if you or a loved one experiences:

  • Unexplained confusion or disorientation
  • Severe fatigue or weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures or tremors
  • Behavioral changes (irritability, agitation)
  • Coma (in severe cases)

This test is especially important for:

  • Newborns with unexplained lethargy or seizures (to check for genetic disorders).
  • People with liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis).
  • Those with Reye’s syndrome (a rare but serious condition affecting children recovering from viral infections).

How is the Test Performed?

An ammonia test is a simple blood test. Here’s what to expect:

1. Preparation:

  • You may be asked to fast (avoid eating or drinking) for 8 hours before the test.
  • Avoid smoking or strenuous exercise before the test, as these can affect results.

2. During the Test:

  • A healthcare professional will clean your arm and insert a needle to draw blood.
  • The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.

3. Results:

  • Results usually come within 2448 hours.

Normal ammonia levels vary by age:

  • Adults: 15–45 µg/dL (micromoles per liter)
  • Children: 40–80 µg/dL
  • Newborns: 90–150 µg/dL

Higher than normal levels may indicate liver disease, kidney failure, or genetic disorders.

Consult an General Physician for a personalised consultation

IMAGE
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan, General Practitioner

Dr. M L Ezhilarasan

General Practitioner

6 Years • MBBS

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

605

IMAGE
Dr D M Karthik, General Practitioner

Dr D M Karthik

General Practitioner

4 Years • MBBS, Fellowship in Diabetes Mellitus, Advance certificate in Diabetes Mellitus, Derma Nutrition Certification

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

469

IMAGE
Dr. Chaithra H, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Chaithra H

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

6 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DNB General Medicine

Bangalore

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore

699

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What Causes High Ammonia Levels?

Several conditions can lead to elevated ammonia, including:

  • Liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis)
  • Kidney failure
  • Reye’s syndrome
  • Genetic disorders (like urea cycle disorders)
  • Certain medications (chemotherapy, valproic acid)

How Can You Manage High Ammonia Levels?

If your ammonia levels are high, your doctor will recommend treatment based on the underlying cause. Some general tips to help manage ammonia levels include:

1. Dietary Changes

  • Reduce protein intake (especially red meat, dairy, and eggs).
  • Eat more plant-based proteins (beans, lentils).
  • Stay hydrated to help flush out toxins.

2. Medications

  • Lactulose (helps remove ammonia through stool).
  • Antibiotics (like rifaximin) to reduce gut bacteria that produce ammonia.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

  • Avoid alcohol (it worsens liver damage).
  • Exercise moderately to support metabolism.
  • Monitor symptoms and report any changes to your doctor.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you or a loved one experience:

  • Severe confusion or drowsiness
  • Persistent nausea/vomiting
  • Unexplained seizures

Seek medical help immediately. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications.

Final Thoughts

High ammonia levels can be dangerous, but with timely testing and proper care, they can be managed effectively. If you suspect any symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor. Your health is precious; stay informed and take proactive steps!

Consult an General Physician for a personalised consultation

IMAGE
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan, General Practitioner

Dr. M L Ezhilarasan

General Practitioner

6 Years • MBBS

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

605

IMAGE
Dr D M Karthik, General Practitioner

Dr D M Karthik

General Practitioner

4 Years • MBBS, Fellowship in Diabetes Mellitus, Advance certificate in Diabetes Mellitus, Derma Nutrition Certification

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

469

IMAGE
Dr. Chaithra H, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Chaithra H

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

6 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DNB General Medicine

Bangalore

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore

699

69 Cashback

Consult an General Physician for a personalised consultation

IMAGE
Dr. Syed Ismail Ali, General Practitioner

Dr. Syed Ismail Ali

General Practitioner

7 Years • MBBS

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

509

IMAGE
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan, General Practitioner

Dr. M L Ezhilarasan

General Practitioner

6 Years • MBBS

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

605

IMAGE
Dr D M Karthik, General Practitioner

Dr D M Karthik

General Practitioner

4 Years • MBBS, Fellowship in Diabetes Mellitus, Advance certificate in Diabetes Mellitus, Derma Nutrition Certification

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

469

IMAGE
Dr. Mohammed Kamran, General Practitioner

Dr. Mohammed Kamran

General Practitioner

5 Years • MBBS, FIDM

Nashik

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik

499

IMAGE
Dr. Chaithra H, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Chaithra H

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

6 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DNB General Medicine

Bangalore

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore

699

69 Cashback

Consult an General Physician for a personalised consultation

IMAGE
Dr. Syed Ismail Ali, General Practitioner

Dr. Syed Ismail Ali

General Practitioner

7 Years • MBBS

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

509

IMAGE
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan, General Practitioner

Dr. M L Ezhilarasan

General Practitioner

6 Years • MBBS

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

605

IMAGE
Dr D M Karthik, General Practitioner

Dr D M Karthik

General Practitioner

4 Years • MBBS, Fellowship in Diabetes Mellitus, Advance certificate in Diabetes Mellitus, Derma Nutrition Certification

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

469

IMAGE
Dr. Mohammed Kamran, General Practitioner

Dr. Mohammed Kamran

General Practitioner

5 Years • MBBS, FIDM

Nashik

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik

499

IMAGE
Dr. Chaithra H, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Chaithra H

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

6 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DNB General Medicine

Bangalore

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore

699

69 Cashback

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