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NH3 testing measures the level of ammonia in the blood. Ammonia is produced by the bacteria in the intestine and by cells in the body during the process of digestion of proteins.

This test can be used to evaluate for causes in changes in consciousness, to detect severe Liver disease (Alcoholic Cirrhosis, Hepatitis, etc), to detect Reye’s syndrome, and to diagnose hepatic encephalopathy.

In most of these cases, Ammonia levels would be much higher then the normal amounts found in the body.  For example, in severe Liver disease, from such things a Alcholoic Cirrhosis or Hepatitis, the liver is unable to clear the Ammonia from the body and it increases in great amounts in patients.  This increase in Ammonia in your body can cause mental status changes, encephalopathy, coma or even death. 

This test is often ordered when mental changes are observed in a patient. It can also be ordered to evaluate for cause of frequent vomiting in children or infants.