Skip to content

Serum/plasma concentration of aldosterone (substance concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of aldosterone, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.

Quick summary

["Aldosterone helps control how much sodium and potassium your body retains, which impacts blood pressure and fluid levels."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
27884-6
Short code
LH 40M p chal SerPl-aCnc
Synonyms
LH 40M p chal SerPl-aCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
1.5
Ref high
9
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
83002
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 an aldosterone test to diagnose conditions like primary aldosteroneism (also called Conn’s syndrome), adrenal insufficiency, or to evaluate symptoms such as high blood pressure, low potassium levels, or unexplained fluid retention.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed unless instructed by your healthcare provider. You may have a blood draw from a vein in your arm, or sometimes a urine sample may be collected over 24 hours for comparison.

What the Results Mean

Results help determine if your hormone levels are too high or too low, which can guide treatment for conditions affecting your blood pressure, kidney function, or electrolyte balance.

Common Conditions Linked to Aldosterone Levels

High aldosterone levels may be linked to conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) or hyperaldosteronism, while low levels could indicate adrenal gland issues or other hormonal imbalances.

Reference range

Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Aldosterone Level

Frequently asked questions

What does aldosterone do in my body?
Aldosterone helps your kidneys retain sodium and excrete potassium, which helps maintain blood pressure and fluid balance. Abnormal levels can lead to symptoms like high blood pressure, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat.
How long will it take to get my results?
Results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your lab and insurance. Follow-up with your doctor to discuss the findings.
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
For a blood aldosterone test, you can eat and drink normally unless your doctor specifies otherwise. For a 24-hour urine aldosterone test, avoid certain medications (like some blood pressure drugs) and follow your provider’s instructions.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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