Serum or plasma mass concentration of 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 sodium and potassium your body retains, which affects blood pressure and fluid levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51434-9
- Short code
- GH pre/p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH pre/p chal SerPl-mCnc
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions that affect hormone production, such as adrenal gland disorders (e.g., primary aldosteroneism), kidney problems, or certain types of high blood pressure. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like Conn’s syndrome or hyperaldosteronism.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure aldosterone levels. The specimen can be either serum (liquid part of blood after clotting) or plasma (liquid part of blood without clotting).
What Should You Know Before Testing?
Avoid eating high-sodium foods for 24 hours before testing if instructed by your doctor, as sodium intake can affect aldosterone levels. Also, inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking, especially those for blood pressure or heart conditions.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
High aldosterone levels may be linked to conditions like primary aldosteronism, kidney disease, or certain medications. Low levels might suggest adrenal insufficiency, pregnancy, or other hormonal imbalances.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated aldosterone levels can lead to high blood pressure, kidney problems, or low potassium levels. Low aldosterone levels may indicate adrenal gland issues or other endocrine disorders. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Short name
Aldosterone Level
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal aldosterone level mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink anything 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