Ammonium Ion
Alternate Names : NH4+ Test
DefinitionThis test is used to measure the amount of ammonium ions in a blood sample.
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Why is the Test Performed?
This test may be performed when a condition that may cause toxic accumulation of ammonia is present or suspected.
Ammonia (NH4+) is produced by cells throughout the body, especially the intestines, liver, and kidneys. In the kidneys, ammonia plays a minor role in the acid/base balance but is otherwise a metabolic waste product (primarily the result of protein metabolism).
Most of the ammonia produced in the body is used by the liver in the production of urea. Urea is also a waste product but is much less toxic than ammonia.
Ammonia is especially toxic to the brain and can cause confusion and lethargy and sometimes coma.
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