Testing Laboratories
Waitematā | Northshore HospitalWaitematā | Waitakere Hospital
Department
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
WAMM
Test Code (Numeric Code)
4161
Laboratory Handling
Transport
Mark urgent and send immediately to Laboratory on ice by hand
Separating
Separate immediately using the stat centrifuge
Test Adds Requirement
Must be refigerated, or within 30 minutes of collection if ambient
Sample Stability
30 mins at room temperature, 2 hours refigerated
Synonyms
NH3
Turnaround Time
2 hours
Specimen Type
- Plasma
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
4
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Heparin (Microtainer)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.4
Pre-testing Requirements
Contact Biochemistry prior to specimen collection so that analysis can be performed with minimal delay.
Additional Specimen Information
Collect the specimen on ice. A separate Heparin tube is required if other biochemistry tests are also requested.
Last updated: 06/05/2026