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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 your blood pressure and heart function."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
33827-7
Short code
LH sp1 p chal SerPl-aCnc
Synonyms
LH sp1 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 This Test Might Be Ordered

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like high blood pressure, low blood potassium, or signs of conditions like primary aldosteroneism (Conn’s syndrome), adrenal tumors, or certain kidney or heart problems. It may also be used to monitor treatments for conditions affecting hormone balance.

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 a blood draw. If you’re taking medications that affect aldosterone levels (like certain diuretics), let your doctor know.

How the Test Is Performed

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using an immunoassay method to measure aldosterone concentration.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to standard reference ranges, but your doctor will interpret them based on your symptoms, medical history, and other test results. High levels may indicate overactive adrenal glands, while low levels could suggest adrenal insufficiency or other conditions.

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 could high aldosterone levels suggest?
High aldosterone levels may indicate conditions like primary aldosteronism (which can cause high blood pressure and low potassium), adrenal adenomas, or certain kidney diseases. Your doctor may also check for secondary causes like kidney disease or heart failure.
What could low aldosterone levels suggest?
Low aldosterone levels may signal adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), certain medications, or conditions affecting hormone production. These levels can also be influenced by stress, pregnancy, or chronic illnesses like severe infections or liver/kidney disease.
How often should this test be repeated?
If your results are abnormal, your doctor may repeat the test to confirm findings or monitor changes over time, especially if you’re being treated for a condition linked to aldosterone.
  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