Ammonia

The ammonia test is a blood test that is performed on an individual to detect an elevated level of ammonia in the blood. High ammonia levels can be characteristic of underlying health conditions such as severe liver diseases, kidney failure, Reye syndrome, or a rare genetic disorder of the urea cycle.

Doctors recommend this test to help investigate the cause of an individual’s changes in behavior and consciousness. This test can also be performed to diagnose the cause of a coma or help support Reye syndrome or hepatic encephalopathy caused by various liver illnesses. Furthermore, the test can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of therapy of hepatic encephalopathy.