Understand blood ammonia measurement: Protect your health, start with this check

In modern fast-paced life, health problems are often neglected. For some potential health problems, early detection and intervention are very important. Today, let's talk about a common test that many people don't know about - blood ammonia measurement.

What is a blood ammonia test?

Ammonia measurement is a medical test used to measure the concentration of ammonia in the blood. Ammonia is a waste product produced during protein metabolism and is usually processed by the liver and excreted from the body through urine. However, when liver function is impaired or certain metabolic disorders occur, ammonia levels in the blood may increase, which can have serious consequences for human health.

Why is a blood ammonia test necessary?

Blood ammonia measurements can help diagnose and monitor several conditions:

1. Liver disease

The liver is an important organ for processing ammonia. If the liver is not functioning properly, such as in cirrhosis or acute liver failure, the ammonia level in the blood may be significantly elevated. Blood ammonia measurements can help doctors assess liver function and develop appropriate treatment plans.

2. Encephalopathy

High blood ammonia levels can lead to encephalopathy, especially hepatic encephalopathy. This is a serious neurological disorder that may manifest as confusion, coma, or even death. By measuring blood ammonia, problems can be detected early and timely intervention can be made to prevent the condition from worsening.

3. Inherited metabolic disorders

Certain inherited metabolic disorders (such as urea cycle disorders) result in ammonia not being metabolized and excreted normally. These disorders usually develop in infancy, and early blood ammonia measurements can help confirm the diagnosis and guide early treatment and management.

How is blood ammonia measured?

The ammonia test is a simple blood test. Your doctor will draw a small sample of your blood from your vein and send it to a laboratory for analysis. Although the test is simple, the results are critical and require a professional doctor to interpret.

Precautions

Diet and medications : Certain diets and medications may affect blood ammonia levels, so you should prepare them according to your doctor's instructions before the test.

Avoid strenuous exercise : Strenuous exercise may temporarily increase blood ammonia levels and affect the measurement results.

Stay relaxed : Nervous emotions may affect the results, so try to relax before the measurement.

How to interpret blood ammonia test results?

The results of blood ammonia measurement are usually expressed in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) or micromoles per liter (mcmol/L). The normal blood ammonia concentration of an adult is generally between 15-45mcg/dL. If the result is outside the normal range, you should consult a doctor in time to understand the specific cause and conduct further examination and treatment.

Summarize

Blood ammonia testing is an important health checkup that can help detect potential health problems early. Whether it is liver disease, brain disease or inherited metabolic disorders, blood ammonia testing can provide important diagnostic information. If you or your family have related symptoms or risk factors, you may wish to consult a doctor and consider blood ammonia testing. Protecting your health starts with every detail!

Author: Chen Min (Sichuan Fifth People's Hospital)