This test measures the level of ammonia In your blood. Still known as NH3, ammonia is a waste product created in the body during protein digestion. Typical, ammonia processed by the liver and converted into another waste product called urea. Urea passes through the body in urine.
If the proteins in your body do not get a chance to be processed or eliminated. ammonia It accumulates in the bloodstream. This can lead to high ammonia levels blood, can lead to serious health problems, including brain damage, com sleep, and even death.
High ammonia levels High blood levels are usually caused by liver disease. Other causes are kidney deficiency and genetic disorders.
Other names: NH3 Analysis, Blood. ammonia test, serum ammonia , ammonia ; plasma
What is it used for?
An ammonia levels This test can be used to diagnose and/or predict disorders that cause increased NH3 levels. ammonia levels . These include:
- Liver cephalopathy is a condition that occurs when the liver is too sick or damaged to properly process ammonia . In this disorder, ammonia up in the blood and ends up in the brain. This can cause confusion, disorientation, com sleep. Sometimes it is fatal.
- Reye’s syndrome is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that causes damage to the liver and brain. It usually occurs in children and adolescents recovering from viral infections such as chickenpox or influenza and cures their illness. The main cause of Rey’s syndrome is unknown. However, because of the risks, children and students are not allowed to take aspirin unless specifically recommended by their doctors.
- Urea cycle disorders, exceptional genetic abnormalities that affect the body’s ability to change. ammonia into urea.
This test can still be used to predict healing of liver disorders or kidney defects.
Why do I need an ammonia levels test?
Signs of liver disease and brain disease may require this test. Signs include
- Confusion
- Excessive sleepiness
- Disorientation, a state of confusion over time, space and/or environment.
- Mood swings
- tremors or shaking of the head, neck, or legs
Your child may need this test if there are signs of Reye’s syndrome. These include
Your newborn baby may need this test if he/she has one of the above symptoms. These symptoms are also symptoms of an abnormal urea cycle.
What happens during an ammonia levels test?
The caregiver takes blood from a vein in the arm with the help of a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a tube or vial. A small burning sensation is felt as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes no more than 5 minutes.
To find the newborn, the doctor cleans the baby’s heel with alcohol and wipes the heel with a small needle. The doctor collects a few drops of blood and connects you with a website.
Need to prepare for the test?
There is no need to be addicted to alcohol or cigarettes about 8 hours before the test. an ammonia test.
Babies do not need any special means for the test.
Are there any risks involved in the test?
There are no sufficient risks with the blood test. You or your baby may experience slight pain or bruising in the area where the needle is inserted, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
If the result is high ammonia levels in blood, this could be a symptom of one of the correct criteria.
- Liver disease such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.
- Encephalopathy lever.
- Kidney disease or renal failure.
In boys and young men, could be a symptom of Reye’s syndrome.
In infants, high ammonia levels It can be a symptom of a genetic urea cycle disorder or a condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn. This condition occurs when the mother develops antibodies to the baby’s blood cells.
If the results are not normal, the caregiver should order more tests to find the basis for high performance levels. ammonia levels Field healing projects depend on the specific diagnosis.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your own care provider.
Is there anything else I should know? an ammonia levels test?
Some caregivers believe that blood from arteries can provide more relevant information about the condition ammonia then blood from a vein. To obtain an arterial blood sample, the caregiver places a syringe in an artery in the wrist, elbow, or gro caliber. This test method is not often used.
Supplied by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library.
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