The present disclosure deals with the biochemistry of reagents useful in the detection of ammonia in liquid samples. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a technical improvement of an enzyme-based test for ammonia that can be used for analysis of plasma samples taken from patients in clinical settings, among other uses. In this regard, stability of a reagent containing NAD(P)H is improved, enhancing shelf life and results in the detection of ammonia. In an exemplary reagent ammonia released as a result of NAD(P)H decay is scavenged using an enzymatic reaction to convert the ammonia using GLDH, NAD(P)H and 2-oxoglutarate, thereby forming L-glutamate, NAD(P).sup.+ and H.sub.2O in the NAD(P)H containing reagent.

The present disclosure deals with the biochemistry of reagents useful in the detection of ammonia in liquid samples. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a technical improvement of an enzyme-based test for ammonia that can be used for analysis of plasma samples taken from patients in clinical settings, among other uses. In this regard, stability of a reagent containing NAD(P)H is improved, enhancing shelf life and results in the detection of ammonia. In an exemplary reagent ammonia released as a result of NAD(P)H decay is scavenged using an enzymatic reaction to convert the ammonia using GLDH, NAD(P)H and 2-oxoglutarate, thereby forming L-glutamate, NAD(P).sup.+ and H.sub.2O in the NAD(P)H containing reagent.