Ammonia
Ammonia is a waste product produced when proteins are broken down in the body. The liver normally converts ammonia into urea for safe excretion by the kidneys.
Category: Liver Function
Also known as: ammonia, nh3, blood ammonia, plasma ammonia, serum ammonia, amonijak
Reference range: 15–45 µmol/L (Source: ABIM)
Standard unit: µmol/L
High values may indicate
High ammonia (hyperammonemia) may indicate liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, cirrhosis, Reye's syndrome, or urea cycle disorders.
Low values may indicate
Low ammonia is generally not a clinical concern and is usually considered normal.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a normal Ammonia level?
- A typical reference range for Ammonia is 15–45 µmol/L (source: ABIM). Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, and sex, so always compare against the range on your own lab report.
- What units is Ammonia measured in?
- Ammonia is most commonly reported in µmol/L. Labs in different countries may use other units — you can convert between them with BloodId's blood test unit converter.
- Where do Ammonia reference ranges come from?
- BloodId uses ABIM standard reference ranges and educational information from MedlinePlus (see our methodology). Reference ranges still vary by lab, age, and sex, so always compare against your own report.
- Can I track Ammonia over time?
- Yes. Upload results from any lab and BloodId charts your Ammonia over time against its reference range, so you can see whether the trend is rising, falling, or stable.