Ammonia µg/dL → µmol/L
Convert ammonia from µg/dL to µmol/L
Sources last checked: 2026-11-03
Ammonia µg/dL → µmol/L
Convert ammonia from µg/dL to µmol/L
Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
What is the Ammonia µg/dL → µmol/L?
Plasma ammonia is reported in µg/dL by many laboratories in Turkey and the USA and in µmol/L by many European laboratories. This converter multiplies by 0.5872, which follows from the molar mass of ammonia (NH₃, 17.031 g/mol). Because ammonia and ammonium occur one-to-one, the molar result is the same whichever form circulates; the factor only depends on which mass the µg/dL figure refers to.
When to use it
- Comparing a µg/dL ammonia with hepatology or metabolic literature that uses µmol/L
- Following ammonia over time when results come from laboratories with different units
- Reading European guidelines on hepatic encephalopathy or urea cycle disorders
- Exam questions mixing conventional and SI units
When not to use it
- Results reported as ammonium (NH₄⁺) or as ammonia nitrogen (µg N/dL) — these have a different mass basis and this factor does not apply directly
- Samples that were not transported on ice and analysed promptly; converting does not fix a pre-analytical error
- As the sole basis for diagnosing or grading hepatic encephalopathy
How it is calculated
Ammonia (µmol/L) = ammonia (µg/dL) × 0.5872
Clinical pearls and limitations
- Converts units only; reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the assay and the patient.
- 1 µg/dL ≈ 0.587 µmol/L; 80 µg/dL ≈ 47 µmol/L.
- Check the report header: some laboratories state ammonia, others ammonium or ammonia nitrogen, and the mass-unit factor differs between them.
- Ammonia rises in the tube from red-cell metabolism and haemolysis; sample on ice, avoid fist clenching and long tourniquet times.
- Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method and the patient's age (neonates differ); take them from the reporting laboratory.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert ammonia from µg/dL to µmol/L?
Multiply by 0.5872. For example, 80 µg/dL × 0.5872 = 47 µmol/L and 150 µg/dL × 0.5872 = 88 µmol/L.
Why is the ammonia factor 0.5872?
Ammonia (NH₃) has a molar mass of 17.031 g/mol. 1 µg/dL is 10 µg/L, and 10 ÷ 17.031 = 0.5872 µmol/L.
Does it matter whether the lab measures ammonia or ammonium?
In µmol/L, no — one ammonium ion corresponds to one ammonia molecule. In µg/dL it does, because the mass per mole differs; this converter assumes the µg/dL value refers to NH₃.
Evidence and guidelines
Have a follow-up question?
Medelix answers clinical questions from current guidelines and studies — every statement with its source.
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<p><a href="https://medelix.ai/en/calculators/ammonia-ug-dl-to-umol-l">Ammonia µg/dL → µmol/L calculator by Medelix</a></p>For healthcare professionals and medical students. These tools support, and do not replace, clinical judgement. Always check results against the original source and your local protocols.