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Test Code LAB47 Ammonia

Important Note

Keep Specimen on WET ICE!

Performing Laboratory

Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center / Asante Three Rivers Medical Center / Asante Ashland Community Hospital

Specimen Minimum Volume

200 microliters (0.2 mL) of plasma

 

Note: If a microtainer is used it must be filled completely which is about 400 microliters of whole blood

Billing Code

3010175

Methodology

L-Glutamate Dehydrogenase

Specimen Requirements

Lithium Heparin Green top tube or Lithium Heparin Microtainer - collected by venipuncture

 

Plasma, collected with lithium heparin into an evacuated collection tube is required. Ideally, the collection tube should be completely filled with blood and immediately placed on ice. Centrifuge the sample in a refrigerated centrifuge as soon as possible to separate the plasma. Specimen must be centrifuged within 30 minutes.

Day(s) Test Set Up

All samples analyzed STAT

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82140 ASSAY OF AMMONIA
 

Additional Information

Monitoring blood ammonia levels can be useful in the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy and hepatic coma in the terminal stages of liver cirrhosis, hepatic failure, acute and subacute necrosis and Reye’s Syndrome.

Hemolyzed samples should not be used as erythrocytes contain levels of ammonia approximately 3 times that of plasma.  Do not keep tourniquet on for a prolonged time.  Do not have patient clench or squeeze their fist during collection.  Do not allow the sample to be exposed to room air prior to analysis.  Lithium heparin microtainer accepted if pediatric sample is collected via venipuncture and the microtainer kept on ice and received within 30 minutes of collection.

Performing Department

Chemistry

Reasons for Rejection

Specimen not on wet ice

Hemolyzed Specimen

Specimen not centrifuged within 30 minutes

Specimen exceeded time limit

Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Lack of Two Patient Identifiers:

         1-Patient's First & Last name 

         2-Patient's Date of Birth

Specimen Transport Temperature and Stability

Separate plasma immediately and keep on wet ice

Not stable at room temperature.

Stable for 3 hours if kept at 2-4°C once centrifuged.

Send to laboratory immediately