Ammonia

Results

An ammonia test measures the amount of ammonia in the blood. Results are usually available within 12 hours.

Normal

Normal values may vary from lab to lab.

Ammonia

Adults:	15–45 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL)	11–32 micromoles per liter (mcmol/L)
Children:	40–80 mcg/dL	28–57 mcmol/L
Newborns:	90–150 mcg/dL	64–107 mcmol/L

High values

High levels of ammonia in the blood may be caused by:

• Liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.
• Reye's syndrome.
• Heart failure.
• Kidney failure.
• Severe bleeding from the stomach or intestines.

High ammonia values in a baby may be present when the blood types of a mother and her baby do not match (hemolytic disease of the newborn).

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: January 2, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.