Recently, a doctor advised a person close to me to do an analysis of ammonia in the blood, because it uses valproic acid. That is why I am writing this article ...
LOW AND HIGH AMMONIA
One of the references of a laboratory blood test may be the level of ammonia. What is the normal level of ammonia in the blood for adults, children and newborns? Which levels represent an abnormality and what can they indicate?
There are certain good bacteria in the stomach that help digest protein. During this process, these bacteria produce a compound called ammonia that travels to the liver through the portal vein.
The liver then converts it to glutamine, and the kidneys convert glutamine to urea to be excreted from our body. If our liver is diseased, it will fail to convert ammonia into glutamine and then urea, which will lead to the formation of ammonia in our blood that can even travel to the brain and cause a number of neurological changes that lead to mental changes such as disorientation. confusion and insomnia.
Therefore, it is extremely important to take steps to maintain normal levels of ammonia in the blood. Find out what all the problems are related to abnormal ammonia levels.
What is the normal level of ammonia?
Normal ammonia levels may vary, but the reference range generally varies with age.
In adults, anything between 9.5 and 49 micrograms per deciliter (mcg / dL) is considered normal.
Ammonia levels are considered normal in children if they are between 40 and 80 mcg / dL.
In newborns, the ammonia level should be between 90 and 150 mcg / dL.
However, it is important to consult our doctor, because sometimes a value that is outside the normal value can still be considered normal due to many other factors.
When should an ammonia test be done?
Our doctor may ask we to do an ammonia test for our newborn if it shows symptoms such as vomiting, irritability, muscle cramps and lethargy. The test can also be done if child shows symptoms a week after a viral illness, such as a cold or flu. Adults usually need to be tested to check for normal ammonia levels if they have symptoms such as drowsiness, disorientation, or a fall into a coma.
How is the Specimen Collected for Ammonia Blood Test?
The other Names for this Test is NH3 Blood Test .
Following is the specimen collection process for Ammonia Blood Test:
Sample required: Blood
Process: Insertion of a needle into an arm vein.
Preparation required: Following preparations may be needed depending on the individual’s health circumstances.
Avoidance of food and drink (except water), or even smoke, for 8 hours prior to the blood test
Avoidance of strenuous exercise, prior to the test
Some medications (alcohol, narcotics, valproic acid, diuretics, barbiturates etc.) may increase blood NH3 levels. The healthcare provider should be informed about the use of all medications, prior to the test
What if we have abnormal ammonia levels?
As already mentioned, any liver disease can make it harder for our body to get rid of ammonia. We may notice that normal ammonia levels increase due to a high protein diet or medications that affect this level.
Some specific medical conditions can also lead to abnormally high levels of ammonia in the blood, such as heart failure, Ray syndrome, fever, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver failure, leukemia, metabolic alkalosis, low blood potassium, or genetic disease of the urea cycle. Inherited urea cycle enzyme deficiency is usually the cause of abnormally high ammonia levels in newborns.
This text was briefly about the level of ammonia in the blood. For more details, you can consult your doctor or read in the professional literature.
Health comes first! Be healthy, take care of yourself!
Greetings from @MarijaJak !
very useful article. Thanks