Ammonia

Description

The Ammonia test measures the level of ammonia in the blood. This test is crucial for assessing liver function and diagnosing certain metabolic disorders. Ammonia is a waste product normally converted to urea by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Elevated ammonia levels can indicate liver dysfunction or certain inherited metabolic disorders. This test is particularly important in evaluating hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of liver disease characterized by neurological symptoms. It’s also used to monitor patients with acute liver failure, chronic liver diseases, and certain types of seizures. The results help healthcare providers determine the severity of liver dysfunction, guide treatment decisions, and assess the effectiveness of therapies aimed at reducing ammonia levels in the body.