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 your blood pressure and fluid levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27843-2
- Short code
- GH sp20 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH sp20 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 like primary aldosteroneism (also called Conn’s syndrome), adrenal gland tumors, or other hormonal imbalances that affect blood pressure or fluid retention. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or kidney problems.
What Does a High or Low Level Mean?
High aldosterone levels may suggest overactivity of your adrenal glands or certain kidney conditions. Low levels might indicate adrenal insufficiency or other hormonal disorders. Your doctor will interpret results in relation to your symptoms and other tests.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure the amount of aldosterone present. The test typically requires fasting for a few hours before drawing blood.
What Should You Do Before the Test?
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Avoid certain medications (like some blood pressure drugs) that may affect aldosterone levels, and inform your doctor about any supplements or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Do not eat or drink anything (except water) for several hours before the test if fasting is required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Aldosterone plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. Abnormal levels can lead to complications such as high blood pressure, kidney damage, or electrolyte imbalances (like low potassium). This test helps diagnose conditions that may require treatment, such as hormone-related disorders or certain types of kidney disease.
Short name
Aldosterone Level
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal aldosterone level indicate?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet or medications 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