Will ammonia levels increase or decrease with storage?

Ammonia levels will generally increase with storage due to the breakdown of urea and proteins in biological samples, especially if the samples are not stored at optimal temperatures. As time progresses, microbial activity and enzymatic reactions can occur, leading to the conversion of substances into ammonia. If samples are kept at room temperature or in improper conditions, the chemical reactions that produce ammonia can be accelerated, contributing to an increase in ammonia concentration.

Additionally, if the sample is undergoing hemolysis or if there are any microbial contaminants, this can further contribute to rising ammonia levels. Therefore, understanding that these biochemical processes can lead to increased ammonia levels over time is crucial for accurate laboratory results.

While ambient temperature does play a role in the rate of these reactions, the most direct answer regarding the change in ammonia levels during storage is that they will increase.