Serum Peptide Arginine Vasopressin (AVP) or Arginine Vasopressin (AVP) Concentration
This test measures the level of arginine vasopressin (AVP), a hormone produced by your brain that helps regulate how much water your body retains.
["AVP helps control thirst and blood pressure by signaling your kidneys to retain or release water."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48123-4
- Short code
- GH 15M pre Arg+Ins SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 15M pre Arg+Ins SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, or changes in blood pressure that suggest a hormonal imbalance. It could also be used to diagnose conditions like diabetes insipidus or evaluate responses to treatments for fluid or electrolyte imbalances.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your doctor specifies it, but this is not always required for AVP testing. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, by a healthcare professional. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using a sensitive immunoassay method to detect AVP levels.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your doctor based on your symptoms, medical history, and other test results. Abnormally high or low levels may indicate conditions affecting fluid balance, hormone function, or kidney function.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated AVP levels may suggest conditions like ectopic AVP secretion (rare tumors producing excess AVP) or certain brain injuries. Low levels could indicate diabetes insipidus (inability to produce enough AVP) or other hormonal deficiencies. Your doctor will correlate these results with your clinical picture to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Short name
AVP (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal AVP levels?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I drink water before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy