What it means
Bacteria in the gut break down protein and make ammonia, which travels to the liver. A healthy liver turns it into urea, which the kidneys remove. When the liver fails, as in severe cirrhosis, ammonia builds up in the blood and affects the brain (hepatic encephalopathy). Some drugs, such as valproic acidval-PROH-ik AS-idA drug used to prevent seizures, to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder and to prevent migraines.Full entry , can also raise it.
For the nurse
Put the blood sample on ice and get it to the lab right away, since the level rises in a sample left standing. Lactulose is often ordered to lower it: count the stools (the usual goal is two or three soft stools a day) and watch for confusion, sleepiness and a flapping tremor of the hands.
At a glance
| Normal range | Adults about 15–45 mcg/dL [11–32 µmol/L]; each lab sets its own reference range. |
|---|---|
| Spanish | amoníaco |
| Also written | ammonia level, serum ammonia, NH3, ammonia levels |
Related terms
valproic acid
A drug used to prevent seizures, to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder and to prevent migraines.