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Aldosterone Tests Explained

Understand Key Concepts behind the Blood Exam

May 10, 2009 Naheed Ali

The aldosterone test quantifies the amount of aldosterone (a hormone produced by the adrenal glands), in the bloodstream.

Aldosterone helps maintain sodium (Na) and potassium amounts in a person. This helps regulate blood pressure and the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the bloodstream.

The renal (kidney) hormone renin generally induces the adrenals to secrete aldosterone. Large amounts of both aldosterone and renin are usually present as the body is struggling to conserve fluid and salt (sodium).

Whenever a tumor is introduced in the body, the aldosterone level will be greater while the renin amount will be down. Generally, a renin activity test is performed whenever the aldosterone level is calculated.

The Purpose of Aldosterone Tests

An aldosterone test is performed for various reasons. Here are a few things a doctor may be able to do with an aldosterone test:

Assess the level of aldosterone discharged into the body by the adrenals.
Find out if a cancer is in the adrenals.
Determine the cause of hypertension or low bloodstream potassium levels. This is performed when overactive adrenals or an abnormal adrenal outgrowth are suspected.

Getting Ready for an Aldosterone Test

An aldosterone assay is frequently carried out during a routine blood screen. You don't have to do anything prior to having routine blood tests. If you are getting follow-up aldosterone blood tests, the physician might give you the following recommendations.

Consume foods with an average amount of sodium (three grams a day) for two weeks prior to the test. Don't consume foods that are extremely salty, like bacon, canned soups and veggies, olives, bouillon, soy sauce, and salty foods such as potato chips or pretzels.

A low-salt diet may also increase aldosterone amounts. Don't eat natural black licorice for two weeks prior to the test.

A lot of drugs may alter the final results of this test. Be sure to notify the physician about all the over-the-counter and prescription drugs you use. You could be expected to discontinue using some prescription drugs for two weeks prior to the test.

These include hormones (like progesterone and estrogens), corticosteroids, water pills, and a lot of medications used to deal with hypertension, especially Aldactone (spironolactone).

The level of aldosterone in the bloodstream shifts depending on whether you're standing up or lying down. If initial results demonstrate a illness, duplicate tests may be carried out in different positions and under different circumstances, like not eating prior to the test or consuming foods that have a specific quantity of salt.

The physician may expect you to have your blood collected at a specific time since aldosterone amounts are greatest in the early morning.

Speak to the doctor regarding any concerns you have about the need for the exam, its risks, how it will be managed, or what the results will signify.

The blood sample is collected from a vein in the upper arm. An elastic is wrapped around the upper arm and it might seem tight, but this shouldn’t lead to too much concern if it is not causing any significant harm. You could either experience nothing at all from the needle, or you will feel a fast pricking feeling or pinch.