Microscale modification of a cation-exchange column procedure for plasma ammonia.

A column cation-exchange resin procedure for plasma ammonia was modified to require only 100 mul of plasma per determination. Mean analytical recovery of standard from resin (six samples) was 98% (range, 94-100%) as compared to a mean of 63% (range, 58-70) for nine samples when a batch cation-exchange procedure was used. Absorbance was proportional to sample concentration up to 800 mumol/liter. Analytical recovery of standard from plsma (six samples) was complete (mean, 103%; range, 90-113). Thirteen aliquots of a specimen of fresh plasma from a single adult individual gave a mean value of 20 mumol/liter (range, 11-26). The mean plasma venous ammonia concentration for 27 adults was 16 mumol/liter (range, 0-39), and for 15 newborns it was 60 (range, 34-102). Values for capillary plasma measured at the same time were higher, and we discuss possible explanations for this. Values are given for infants and children from one month to 14 years of age. Effects of storage time and temperature on plasma ammonia concentration are discussed.