Ammonia (Blood)

An Ammonia Blood test measures the amount of ammonia ($NH_{3}$) in a sample of your blood. Ammonia is a cellular waste product primarily produced by bacteria in the intestines and during the breakdown of proteins. Normally, the liver processes ammonia by converting it into urea, which is then excreted by the kidneys through urine. If the liver or kidneys are not functioning correctly, ammonia levels can rise, leading to a toxic buildup. High levels are particularly dangerous because ammonia can cross the blood-brain barrier, causing neurological issues.