Specimen Requirements
Title
Aldosterone, Serum
Specimen Requirement
Collect red top/1.0 mL serum, allow to clot, transfer serum to a screw top plastic vial, indicate sample type on tube and send.
Alternate collection:
Collect lavender, sodium heparin or lithium heparin, transfer 1.0 serum/plasma to a screw top plastic vial, indicate sample type on tube and send.
Patient Preparation:
Draw “upright” samples at least 1/2 hour after patient sits up.
Do not use gel barrier.
These test requirements are for the Aldosterone, Serum test only. The Aldosterone/Renin Ratio has different requirements.
Methodology
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Stability
Room temperature: 4 days Refrigerated: 7 days, Frozen: 28 days
Reference Range
The reference range is determined by the performing laboratory and will show on the report.
Turnaround
3-5 days performed Monday-Saturday
Clinical Use
Aldosterone is the main sodium-retaining hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It increases the reabsorption of sodium and water along with the excretion of potassium in the distal tubules of the kidneys. This action raises blood pressure. Approximately 1-2% of individuals with primary hypertension have primary hyperaldosteronism characterized by hypokalemia (low potassium) and low direct renin. Because serum aldosterone concentrations vary due to dietary sodium intake and body positions, some physicians prefer measurement of 24-hour urine concentrations for aldosterone. The upright value (obtained after 2 hours of upright posture) should be about 2 to 5 times the supine value obtained from recumbent patient in early am before arising from bed.
Test Code
ALDOW