Serum or plasma mass concentration of aldosterone

Why Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order an aldosterone test to diagnose or monitor conditions like primary aldosteroneism (also called Conn’s syndrome), adrenal insufficiency, or to check for hormonal imbalances that affect blood pressure or kidney function. It may also be used in conjunction with other tests to evaluate conditions like hypertension or mineralocorticoid excess.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for this test. If your sample is drawn from blood, you may have a small needle inserted into your arm, and you might feel a brief pinch. If it’s a urine sample, you’ll collect a sample over 24 hours, but no special diet or restrictions apply.

What Happens During the Test?

Blood samples are typically taken from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab for analysis. The lab will measure the amount of aldosterone in your serum or plasma. If a urine sample is used, it’s collected over a full 24-hour period and analyzed for aldosterone excretion.

What Do the Results Mean?

Results are compared to reference ranges specific to your lab, which may vary. High aldosterone levels may indicate conditions like primary aldosteroneism, while low levels could suggest adrenal gland issues or other hormonal problems. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.