Ammoniaurscnc
A urine ammonia test measures the amount of ammonia in your urine, helping doctors evaluate how well your liver and kidneys are working.
{"Measures ammonia levels in urine to assess liver and kidney function","High levels may indicate liver disease, kidney problems, or urinary tract infections","No special fasting is typically required, but follow your doctor's instructions","Results help doctors diagnose and monitor certain metabolic disorders","Abnormal results may require additional testing for proper diagnosis"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1842-4
- Short code
- Ammonia Ur-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Ammonia Ur-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Critical range
- — – 200 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The urine ammonia test measures the concentration of ammonia in your urine. Ammonia is a waste product produced when your body breaks down protein. Normally, your liver converts ammonia into urea, which your kidneys filter out and excrete in urine. This test helps doctors see how well your body is processing and eliminating ammonia.
Why is this test done?
Your doctor may order a urine ammonia test to evaluate liver function, check kidney performance, or investigate metabolic disorders. It can help diagnose conditions like liver disease, kidney failure, Reye's syndrome, or certain genetic disorders. The test is also useful for monitoring patients with existing liver or kidney conditions.
How is the test performed?
You will provide a urine sample in a sterile container. The sample is usually collected first thing in the morning, as ammonia levels can vary throughout the day. Your healthcare provider may ask you to fast or avoid certain foods before the test. Follow any specific instructions given by your doctor.
Understanding your results
Normal urine ammonia levels vary by laboratory and individual factors. High levels may indicate liver disease, kidney problems, urinary tract infection, or a high-protein diet. Low levels are less common but can occur with certain conditions. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health and other test results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can I take my regular medications before the test?
What happens if my ammonia levels are high?
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - AmmoniaSource
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy