Measurement of Urinary Ammonium Using a Commercially Available Plasma Ammonium Assay

Determination of urinary ammonium excretion is helpful in evaluating patients with acid-base disorders, chronic kidney disease, and nephrolithiasis. However, urinary ammonium levels are only measured by specialized laboratories in the United States, limiting widespread implementation. We evaluated the performance of a plasma ammonium assay to quantify urinary ammonium excretion and also determined ammonium stability under a variety of conditions.

An enzymatic plasma ammonium assay (Randox) was modified to measure urinary ammonium concentration. Urine samples were diluted 40-fold and then assayed on an Abbott Architect ci8200 analyzer. Assay precision, limit of quantitation, and linearity were determined. The method was compared against the formalin titration method, and stability studies were conducted at different temperatures and pH.

After dilution, the assay had total precision of 18% at 2.54 mmol/L, 5% at 15.58 mmol/L, and 2% at 29.49 mmol/L, with a limit of quantitation of 2.92 mmol/L. Assay performance was linear in the range of 0.7-45 mmol/L. Method comparison against the formalin method showed a slope of 0.98 and intercept of -0.37 mmol/L. Urinary ammonium was determined to be stable for 48 hours at room temperature and for 9 days at 4°C and -20°C at pH 5.6-6.3. Ammonium was less stable at pH 3.8 and 8.5. When stored at -80°C, urinary ammonium was stable for at least 24 months.

The modified enzymatic plasma ammonium assay reliably quantifies urine ammonium at physiologic concentrations. It compares well with the formalin titration method and is suitable for routine clinical use on an automated chemistry analyzer.