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Test Code AMM.1 AMMONIA

Important Note

Specimen must be put on wet ice immediately after collection and centrifuged within 15 minutes of collection.

Hemolyzed specimens should not be used as red blood cells contain ammonia levels approximately three times that of plasma. Rapid separation of plasma from blood cells is critical for obtaining reliable results.

Additional Codes

N.AMMONIA

Methodology

Automated Chemistry Analyzer

Specimen Requirements

Plasma

Container: Green top Lithium heparin

Specimen Collection: 1 mL (minimum 0.5 mL)

  1. Collect venous or arterial sample.

  2. Deliver specimen directly to hospital laboratory. Specimen MUST be submitted on wet ice and received within 15 minutes of collection.

  3. Properly label tube with patient's name, DOB, requisition number, and type of tube drawn i.e. LiHep etc. 

Specimen Rejection

1. Hemolysis

2. Exceeds stability

3. Unacceptable if thawed

4. Capillary samples

5. Unlabeled/mislabeled specimen

Maximum Laboratory Time

24 - 48 hours

Specimen Transport/Stability

Whole Blood, Frozen (-20 ℃) NOT ACCEPTABLE

 

Refrigerated: 2 hours poured off

 

Frozen Plasma: 3 weeks (Collected on ice, spun within 15 mins of collection, separate & froze immediately.)

 

 

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82140

Reference Ranges

    Ammonia
  Normal Range                                                        31- 123  ug/dL
   Critical  Value                        REFER TO LH-W CRITICAL VALUES POLICY  

 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily