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Ammonium ion - Results

Alternative Names

NH4+ test; Ammonia nitrogen level

Normal values:

The normal range is 15 - 45 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean:

Conditions that can increase ammonia levels include:

Liver failure
Severe congestive heart failure
Erythroblastosis fetalis
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding - usually in the upper GI tract
Genetic diseases of the urea cycle
Leukemia
Pericarditis
Reye syndrome
Certain drugs

Blood test

Reviewed last on: 2/23/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Berk PD, Korenblat KM. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver test results. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 150.

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