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 in your body.
["Aldosterone helps control how much sodium and potassium your body retains, which affects your blood pressure and fluid levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27837-4
- Short code
- GH sp13 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH sp13 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions affecting your blood pressure, kidney function, or hormone levels. It could be used to check for conditions like primary aldosteroneism (Conn’s syndrome), adrenal insufficiency, or to evaluate responses to treatments for high blood pressure or fluid imbalances.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves drawing blood from a vein. If you’re taking certain medications (like some blood pressure drugs), let your doctor know beforehand.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare provider will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a mass spectrometry method to measure aldosterone levels precisely.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges, but exact values can vary by lab. High aldosterone levels may indicate conditions like high blood pressure or adrenal tumors, while very low levels could suggest adrenal gland problems or other hormonal imbalances.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated aldosterone levels often point to conditions like primary hyperaldosteronism, which can cause high blood pressure, low potassium, or fluid retention. Low levels may signal adrenal insufficiency or other endocrine disorders. This test helps guide treatment decisions for managing these conditions.
Short name
Aldosterone level
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal aldosterone levels?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet affect 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