Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum), minimum 1.0 mL
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 7-9 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Superior accuracy - LC-MS technology provides 94% diagnostic accuracy vs. traditional methods
- Early detection - Identify treatable hypertension causes affecting 5-12% of patients
- No physician referral - Direct access to cutting-edge diagnostic technology
- Comprehensive screening - Detect primary aldosteronism, the most common secondary hypertension cause
- Treatment monitoring - Track aldosterone levels during medication management
- Cardiovascular protection - Enable early intervention before complications develop
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with high blood pressure requiring multiple medications
- People with resistant hypertension (blood pressure >150/100 mmHg consistently)
- Those experiencing unexplained low potassium levels
- Patients with difficult-to-control blood pressure despite treatment
- Individuals with family history of adrenal disorders or hypertension
- Anyone seeking proactive cardiovascular health screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No appointment needed, visit any participating lab location
- Quick blood draw - Simple venipuncture, takes less than 5 minutes
- Get results digitally - Secure online portal delivery within 7-9 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test measures aldosterone hormone levels using advanced LC-MS technology to detect primary aldosteronism and related conditions.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting required, but collect sample in morning (8-10 AM) after being upright for 2 hours.
How accurate is LC-MS compared to other methods? LC-MS provides 89% sensitivity and 87% specificity with superior precision compared to traditional immunoassays.
What medications should I avoid before testing? Discontinue spironolactone 4-6 weeks prior to testing, maintain normal sodium diet throughout preparation.
Will I need additional tests? Most patients require plasma renin activity testing to calculate the aldosterone-to-renin ratio for proper interpretation.
How long are results valid? Results remain clinically relevant for 6-12 months unless symptoms change or treatment is initiated.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Aldosterone Blood Test using LC-MS methodology measures aldosterone hormone levels to diagnose primary aldosteronism, the most common cause of secondary hypertension. This advanced analytical technique provides highly specific quantification of aldosterone, a critical hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates blood pressure by controlling sodium and potassium balance (Endocrine Society 2016).
LC-MS technology offers superior precision compared to traditional immunoassays, with significantly reduced cross-reactivity and enhanced sensitivity for detecting subtle hormonal imbalances. The test serves as a valuable screening tool for cardiovascular health management, enabling early detection of treatable hypertension causes before complications develop.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for health-conscious consumers seeking proactive cardiovascular health management. Primary aldosteronism affects 5-12% of all hypertensive patients, making screening cost-effective in high-risk populations (Mayo Clinic 2019).
Ideal candidates include individuals with resistant hypertension, unexplained hypokalemia, or family histories of adrenal disorders. The test provides direct access to cutting-edge diagnostic technology without requiring physician referrals, offering convenience for self-directed health screening with clinical-grade accuracy. Those taking multiple blood pressure medications or experiencing difficult-to-control hypertension particularly benefit from this comprehensive assessment.
When should I order this test?
Consider ordering this test if you have blood pressure >150/100 mmHg on three separate occasions, require 4+ blood pressure medications, or have hypertension with low potassium levels (Endocrine Society 2016).
Additional indications include muscle weakness, excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue combined with elevated blood pressure. The test is also recommended for individuals with family histories of hypertension or adrenal disorders seeking preventive screening. Early detection enables targeted treatment that can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk compared to essential hypertension management alone.
How do I interpret the results?
Aldosterone Level: Normal range
- What it means: Appropriate hormone production
- Typical action: Continue routine monitoring
Aldosterone Level: Elevated with high renin
- What it means: Secondary aldosteronism likely
- Typical action: Investigate underlying causes
Aldosterone Level: Elevated with low renin
- What it means: Primary aldosteronism suspected
- Typical action: Confirmatory testing needed
Aldosterone Level: Low levels
- What it means: Adrenal insufficiency possible
- Typical action: Endocrinology consultation
Results are typically interpreted alongside plasma renin activity as an aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR), with ratios >23.6 ng/dL per ng/(mL·h) suggesting primary aldosteronism requiring further evaluation.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Maintain normal sodium intake during the pre-testing period, as dietary restrictions can artificially elevate aldosterone levels. Discontinue spironolactone for 4-6 weeks prior to testing, as it interferes with result interpretation (Mayo Clinic 2019).
Schedule blood collection in the morning (8-10 AM) after being upright and active for at least 2 hours, then seated for 5-15 minutes before the draw. Avoid both salt restriction and excess during preparation. Continue other medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening (high-risk): Once, then as indicated
- Monitoring diagnosed cases: Every 6–12 months
- Treatment effectiveness: 3–6 months after changes
- Negative results (high-risk): Every 1–2 years
Why early detection matters
Primary aldosteronism carries significantly higher cardiovascular risk than essential hypertension, with targeted treatment reducing both blood pressure and aldosterone-mediated organ damage when properly diagnosed (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2016).
Early detection enables specific treatments like mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists or surgical intervention that can cure the condition. Undiagnosed primary aldosteronism leads to increased rates of stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease compared to essential hypertension. Approximately 3 million Americans have undiagnosed treatable hypertension that could benefit from aldosterone testing.
Related tests you may consider
Plasma Renin Activity (PRA) - Essential companion test for calculating the aldosterone-to-renin ratio, providing superior diagnostic accuracy when both hormones are measured simultaneously.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) - Provides critical electrolyte analysis including sodium and potassium levels, which are directly affected by aldosterone excess.
24-Hour Urine Aldosterone - Offers complementary assessment of aldosterone production over time, potentially providing more stable measurements less affected by diurnal variation.
