Serum or Plasma Aldosterone Level
This test measures the amount of aldosterone, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, in your blood. It helps assess how well your body regulates salt and water balance.
["Aldosterone helps control blood pressure and fluid balance in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10127-9
- Short code
- ST wave MD L-V4
- Synonyms
- ST wave MD L-V4
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ekg
- 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 (hyperaldosteronism), adrenal gland disorders, or to check for signs of low blood pressure or fluid imbalance. It’s also used in evaluating kidney function and managing conditions like hypertension or heart failure.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or foods that could affect results. If you’re taking blood pressure medications, let your doctor know. For a 24-hour urine test (if applicable), you’ll need to collect urine over a full day.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. If a urine test is ordered, you’ll collect urine in a container over a set period (often 24 hours).
What Are the Possible Results?
Results are compared to standard reference ranges, but exact values can vary by lab. High aldosterone levels may indicate overactivity of your adrenal glands, while low levels could suggest adrenal insufficiency or other conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated aldosterone levels can lead to high blood pressure, kidney problems, or low potassium levels. Low aldosterone may signal adrenal gland issues or other endocrine disorders. Regular monitoring helps manage these conditions effectively.
Short name
Aldosterone
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal aldosterone level mean?
How often should I get this test?
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