Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out how much ammonia is in your blood. Your body makes ammonia as your cells work. Most often, your liver is able to break down the ammonia and it becomes a waste product in your blood. When you are sick, the ammonia may start to build up in your blood and cause other health problems. ‚
The doctor may order an ammonia level to: ‚
- Learn more about changes in your level of awareness
- Find out if you have liver disease
- Look for serious illnesses in newborn babies
- Monitor patients on I.V. feedings
- Go along with other tests
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a normal way. Your signs are not likely due to a problem with your ammonia level.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor may ask you to rest before your test. You may be asked not to open and close your fist right before your blood is drawn.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how much ammonia is in it. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor find out if you have a problem. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ammonia/tab/glance ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚