Serum/plasma concentration of aldosterone (mass concentration)
This test measures the amount of aldosterone, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, which helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in your body.
["Aldosterone helps control how much sodium and potassium your body retains, which can impact your blood pressure and overall fluid balance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25945-7
- Short code
- LH sp3 p chal SerPl IRP1-aCnc
- Synonyms
- LH sp3 p chal SerPl IRP1-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
- Method
- st-irp
- 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 this 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 patients with high blood pressure that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to stop certain medications (like some blood pressure drugs) for a few days before testing. If you’re taking them, always check with your doctor first. You’ll provide a blood sample, typically drawn from a vein in your arm.
What the Results Mean
Results can vary based on your health, medications, and other factors. High aldosterone levels may suggest conditions like primary aldosteroneism, while low levels could indicate adrenal gland issues or other hormonal problems. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to evaluate conditions affecting the adrenal glands, blood pressure regulation, or kidney function. It may also help diagnose or manage hypertension (high blood pressure) that doesn’t improve with standard treatments.
Reference range
Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A
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: Aldosterone plays a critical role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. Elevated levels can lead to high blood pressure, kidney problems, or low potassium levels, while low levels may indicate adrenal insufficiency or other endocrine disorders. Your doctor will use these results to guide treatment decisions.
Short name
Aldosterone Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal aldosterone levels?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink anything before 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