Aldosterone (ALD) test

What Is an Aldosterone Test?

An Aldosterone (ALD) test measures the amount of ALD in your blood. It’s also called a serum Aldosterone test. ALD is a hormone made by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are found on top of your kidneys and are responsible for producing several important hormones. ALD affects blood pressure and also regulates sodium (salt) and potassium in your blood, among other functions.

Too much ALD can contribute to high blood pressure and low potassium levels. It’s known as hyperaldosteronism when your body makes too much ALD. Primary hyperaldosteronism could be caused by an adrenal tumor (usually benign, or noncancerous). Meanwhile, secondary hyperaldosteronism could be caused by a variety of conditions. These include:

• congestive heart failure
• cirrhosis
• some kidney diseases (e.g., nephrotic syndrome)
• excess potassium
• low sodium
• toxemia from pregnancy

Requirement for Aldosterone

Specimen              :-             2 mL serum.

Method                  :-             Radioimmunoasay

Unit                         :-             ng/dl

Normal Range       :-             2.0 – 16.0

Lab                          :-             Mediland Diagnostic Institute.

Cost                        :-             Rs 1200.00

Report                    :-             Next day

Usage                     :-             Approximately 1-2 % of individuals with primary hypertension have Primary

Hyperaldosteronism characterized by hypokalemia and low direct Renin. Serum aldosterone levels vary due to dietary sodium intake and body position.

What Does an Aldosterone Test Diagnose?

An ALD test is often used to diagnose fluid and electrolyte disorders. These may be caused by:

• heart problems
• kidney failure
• diabetes insipidus
• adrenal disease

The test can also help diagnose:

• high blood pressure that is hard to control or occurs at a young age
• orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure caused by standing up)
• overproduction of ALD
• adrenal insufficiency (under active adrenal glands)

Preparing for Aldosterone Testing

Your doctor may ask you to have this test at a certain time of day. The timing is important, as ALD levels vary throughout the day. Levels are highest in the morning. Your doctor may also ask you to:

• change the amount of sodium you eat (called sodium restriction diet)
• avoid strenuous exercise
• avoid eating licorice (licorice can mimic aldosterone properties)
• These factors can affect ALD levels. Stress may also temporarily increase ALD.

A number of medications can affect ALD. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. This includes supplements and over-the-counter drugs. Your doctor will tell you if you need to stop or change any medications before this test.

Medications that can affect ALD include:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
• diuretics (water pills)
• oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as benazepril
• steroids, such as prednisone
• beta blockers, such as bisoprolol
• calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine
• lithium
• heparin
• propranolol