Ammoniemia

/ˌæmərɪˈniːmiə/ noun

Definition

The presence of ammonia or ammonia compounds in the blood, especially at abnormally high levels.

Etymology

From ammonia plus -emia, a suffix from Greek haima meaning 'blood.' This medical term emerged in the 19th century as doctors discovered that ammonia buildup in blood could indicate liver disease.

Kelly Says

Ammoniemia is a key indicator that your liver might be struggling—when your liver can't properly convert ammonia to urea, it backs up into your bloodstream, which is why doctors test for it in patients with liver cirrhosis.

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