Ammonia, Plasma CPT: 82140
Expected Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Plasma EDTA
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Lavender top (EDTA)
Collection
1. Specimens should be put on ice immediately after collection.
2. Centrifuge at refrigerated temperature (4 degrees C).
3. Aliquot plasma into plastic screw-top tube. Keep on ice.
4. Freeze plasma within 2 hours of draw.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Not recommended |
| Refrigerated | 3 hours |
| Frozen | 24 hours |
| Freeze/thaw/ cycles | stable x 3 |
Patient Information
To detect an elevated level of ammonia in the blood that may be caused by severe liver disease, kidney failure, or certain rare genetic disorders; to help investigate the cause of changes in behavior and consciousness; to help diagnose hepatic encephalopathy or Reye syndrome
When someone with or without liver disease or kidney failure experiences mental changes or lapses into a coma; when a newborn experiences frequent vomiting and increased lethargy or when a child has continuous vomiting and unusual sleepiness during recovery from a viral illness, such as the flu or chickenpox
A blood sample drawn from a vein.