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HelpTest Code LAB4010 AMMONIA
Specimen Type
Preferred Sample: Lithium Heparin Plasma (Light Green Top Tube) on ice
Alternate Sample: EDTA Plasma (Lavender Top Tube) on ice
Collection Instructions
Avoid the use of stasis (tourniquet) or having the patient pump their fist while drawing blood specimen. Tube must be completely filled. Place tube immediately on wet ice and transport to Lab stat; do not send via pneumatic tube.
Processing Instructions
Specimen must be spun in refrigerated centrifuge and run immediately after.
Specimen Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL Microtainer
Turnaround Time
STAT: 1 hour
Routine: 4 hours
Test Schedule
Daily and STAT
Sample Stability
Refrigerated: 2 hours
Frozen: 3 weeks
Method
Photometric
Reference Ranges
| Ammonia, µmol/L | ||
| 0-14 Days | 56.00 - 92.00 | |
| 14 Days - 28 Days | 64.00 - 107.00 | |
| 28 Days - 11 Years | 21.00 - 50.00 | |
| 11 - 19 Years | 10.00 - 37.00 | |
| >19 Years | 18.00 - 72.00 | |
Test Components
Ammonia, umol/L.
LOINC Code
16362-6
IMO Code
IMO-PROC-30163791
CPT Codes
82140
Rejection Criteria
Sample must be placed on wet ice immediately. Ammonia must be drawn in separate tube, cannot be combined with any other test using same container. Results may be affected if tube is not completely filled.
Results for short drawn tubes should be released with the following comment:
“This specimen did not meet Kootenai Health’s guidelines for the recommended collection volume. Interpret results with caution. Recommend redraw if results do not correlate with patient’s medical history and/or clinical examination.”
Test Limitations
Levels increase rapidly as specimen sits at room temperature.