Serum or Plasma Substance Concentration (Mass) – Aldosterone
This test measures the amount of aldosterone, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
["Aldosterone helps control how much salt and water your body retains, which can affect your blood pressure and heart health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12701-9
- Short code
- GH 2.5h p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 2.5h p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- 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 high blood pressure, low potassium levels, or signs of conditions like primary aldosteronism (a rare disorder affecting hormone production). It may also be used to monitor certain kidney or adrenal gland disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but your doctor might advise you to avoid certain medications (like some blood pressure drugs) or limit salt intake for a few days before testing. You’ll provide a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if your aldosterone levels are too high or low, which can guide treatment for conditions like hypertension or adrenal issues. Your doctor will compare these results to your symptoms and other test findings.
Common Conditions Monitored
High aldosterone levels may be linked to conditions like primary aldosteronism, kidney disease, or certain medications. Low levels could suggest adrenal insufficiency or other hormonal imbalances.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Elevated aldosterone is often associated with secondary hypertension or hyperaldosteronism, which can lead to complications like heart strain or kidney damage. Low levels may indicate adrenal gland dysfunction or other endocrine disorders requiring further evaluation.
Short name
Aldosterone (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
How is aldosterone tested?
What are typical reference ranges?
Can diet affect aldosterone levels?
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