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Ammonia plasma test for patients experiencing unexplained confusion, fatigue, or liver dysfunction symptoms

Blood Test for Confusion, Fatigue, and Liver Problems

Ammonia, Plasma

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Pinpoint the cause of unexplained fatigue
  • Reveal hidden liver function issues
  • Clarify symptoms of mental confusion
First results as soon as overnight*

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

90 day happiness guarantee

We stand behind our service

Prescription & fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Easy to understand results

With friendly doctor's notes & guidance

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained mental confusion, fatigue, or symptoms that might be related to liver problems. It measures ammonia levels in your blood, which can become elevated when your liver isn't functioning properly or in certain metabolic conditions. Many people use this test when they have symptoms like disorientation, unusual tiredness, or when their doctor suspects liver dysfunction that could be causing neurological symptoms.

How should I prepare for this test?

For accurate results, avoid clenching your fist during blood collection, as muscle activity can increase ammonia levels. You should also avoid smoking before your blood draw since smoking raises plasma ammonia levels. The phlebotomist will collect your blood without using a tourniquet to ensure the most accurate measurement possible.

What's included in this test?

Ammonia (P)

This test measures plasma ammonia levels, which is a critical indicator of how well your liver is processing protein waste products. Elevated ammonia can signal serious liver conditions like cirrhosis, hepatitis, or hepatic encephalopathy, and can also be elevated in heart failure or certain lung conditions. This single but important measurement helps identify the cause of neurological symptoms like confusion or fatigue that may be linked to your body's inability to properly clear ammonia from your bloodstream.

What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your ammonia levels mean for your liver function and overall health. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, or whether you should follow up with a liver specialist or neurologist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your ammonia levels over time using our trends feature to monitor your liver health and any interventions you're following.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is important for people with known liver disease, unexplained mental confusion, or symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. It's also valuable for those with cirrhosis, severe hepatitis, or a family history of liver conditions who are experiencing unusual fatigue or cognitive changes. Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms that suggest your liver isn't clearing toxins properly from your blood.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Key symptoms include unexplained confusion or disorientation, unusual fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, tremors or shaking hands, and slurred speech. You might also experience mood changes, difficulty concentrating, or in more severe cases, changes in consciousness. These symptoms can indicate that ammonia is building up in your bloodstream and affecting your brain function.
What does high ammonia mean?
High ammonia levels typically indicate that your liver isn't effectively converting ammonia to urea, which your body normally eliminates through urine. This can happen with severe liver disease like cirrhosis or hepatitis, and can lead to hepatic encephalopathy where ammonia affects brain function. Elevated levels can also occur with heart failure, certain genetic metabolic disorders, or lung conditions that affect how your body processes this waste product.
How can I support healthy ammonia levels naturally?
Supporting liver health is key to maintaining normal ammonia levels. Reduce protein intake if your doctor recommends it, as protein breakdown produces ammonia. Stay well-hydrated to help your kidneys eliminate waste products, and avoid alcohol completely if you have liver concerns. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fiber, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress through relaxation techniques can also support overall liver function.
What is ammonia and why does it matter?
Ammonia is a waste product created when your body breaks down protein from food and muscle tissue. Your liver normally converts ammonia into urea, which is safely eliminated through urine. When ammonia builds up in your blood instead of being processed properly, it can become toxic to your brain and nervous system, causing confusion, fatigue, and in severe cases, coma.
How often should I retest my ammonia levels?
If you have known liver disease or are being treated for elevated ammonia, your doctor may want to monitor levels regularly, sometimes as often as every few weeks or months depending on your condition. For those managing hepatic encephalopathy, more frequent testing helps track treatment effectiveness. If your initial test was abnormal, your doctor will recommend a follow-up schedule based on the severity and underlying cause.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at [email protected]. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
We don’t sell or share your data. Your time & privacy matter.
US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
Demo results
Ammonia (Plasma) 68 µmol/L
Demo results
Low Optimal 15 - 55 High
68 µmol/L

What this means

Your plasma ammonia level is elevated above the optimal range. This may indicate that your liver is having difficulty converting ammonia to urea for elimination, which can contribute to symptoms like fatigue, confusion, or difficulty concentrating. Elevated ammonia requires medical attention to identify the underlying cause and prevent further complications.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
Book a lab
Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
Choose a checkup
Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

Blood Test for Confusion, Fatigue, and Liver Problems

Google
3,138 reviews
  • Pinpoint the cause of unexplained fatigue
  • Reveal hidden liver function issues
  • Clarify symptoms of mental confusion

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Google reviews 3138 reviews Next
Still got questions? Text our super-cool support team at 754-799-7833 to get help finding your ideal checkup.