Ammonia(Critical Frozen)
Testing Information
Sample Type
Plasma
Test Codes
650040
CPT Code
82140
Testing Area
Core Lab - Chemistry
Test Methodology
Abbott Alinity - Enzymatic
Reference Range
15-50 µmol/LCritical Value: >120 µmol/L
Expected Turnaround Time
Results Available 24 hours from Receipt at the laboratory.
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect one Lavender-top EDTA (minimum whole blood: 3 mL) on ice. Immediately centrifuge the sample and separate the plasma from the cells. Freeze the plasma aliquot (minimum 1 mL).
Rejection Criteria
Grossly hemolyzed specimes, non-frozen or thawed specimens, improperly labeled
Specimen Validity and Retention
Lavender-top EDTA Tubes:Room Temperature (20-25°C): UnacceptableRefrigerated (2-8°C): 2 hoursFrozen (-20°C or greater): Not AcceptablePlasma Aliquots:Room Temperature (20-25°C): UnacceptableRefrigerated (2-8°C): 2 hoursFrozen (-20°C or greater): 7 daysSpecimens retained for 7 days after testing
Courier Transportation
Transport plasma aliquot, frozen on dry ice (-20°C). Do not let sample thaw; ammonia levels increase rapidly at room temperature.
Clinical Utility
Ammonia is elevated in Reye"s Syndrome, liver disease, and urinary tract infections.
