Adult: 15–45 ng/dL; SI units: 11–35 nmol/L
Child: 29–70 ng/dL; SI units: 29–70 nmol/L
. Green-top tube.
■ Ammonia forms when protein is broken down by bacteria in the
intestinal tract. It is then converted to urea by the liver and excreted
by the kidneys.
■ Elevated in liver failure. Elevations manifest as encephalopathy
(lethargy, confusion, tremors, coma).
