Test Code AMMON Ammonia

Important Note

This test CANNOT be added onto previously collected specimens.

Plasma must be separated from cells within 15 minutes of collection.

No special patient preparation is necessary.

Container	Specimen	Temp	Collect Vol	Submit Vol	Min Vol	Stability
Lithium Heparin	Plasma	On Ice	3 mL	1 mL	0.5 mL	3 hours
Lithium Heparin	Plasma	Frozen	3 mL	1 mL	0.5 mL	24 hours

Place the tube on ice immediately and transport to the lab (within 15 minutes).

Centrifuge specimen in stoppered container within 15 minutes of collection. Do NOT uncap.

Reject Due To:

- Above conditions not met

- Moderate or Marked Hemolysis

- Specimen unlabeled or mislabeled

Ortho Vitros XT 7600 / Colorimetric

Daily / Same Day / STAT

9 - 30 umol/L

Note that glucose at a level of 600 can decrease ammonia concentrations between 8 - 40 umol/L.