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Test Code LABNH3BA Ammonia, Arterial

Synonym

  • NH3A

Specimen Required

Preferred Container/Tube: Dry lithium heparin (blood gas) syringe
Acceptable Container/Tube: Dry lithium heparin (blood gas) syringe
Specimen Volume: Full Syringe
Specimen Minimum Volume: Full Syringe

Specimen Stability Information

Refrigerated/ice:
 - Whole blood: 15 minutes
 - Plasma: 1 hour

Specimen Collection Information

Must be collected on ice. Centrifuge (cold when possible) and keep at 2-8°C. Respiratory Therapy must draw arterial sample using a blood gas syringe. Place the ordered label on specimen syringe and then send to Main Lab.

Outreach Clients: Available for inpatient ONLY.

Rejected Due To

  • Gross hemolysis
  • Specimen recieved at room temperature
  • Past stability
  • Unacceptable container type

Reference Values

18-72 µmol/L

Cautions

Samples must be stored on ice immediately after collection and transported to the lab on ice. Falsely elevated results may occur in samples not kept cold.

Method Description

Photometric

Performing Lab

Clinical Lab UH

Clinical Lab University East

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 day

Reporting Name

Ammonia, Arterial

CPT Code Information

82140

LOINC Code Information

16362-6