Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No fasting is required, and if possible, medications should be stopped 3 weeks before collection after consulting your physician. Remain ambulatory for at least 30 minutes before blood collection.
- Turnaround: 4-7 days (may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays)
What This Test Measures
The Aldosterone Blood Test, LC-MS measures the level of aldosterone circulating in your blood. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance. This test uses Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), a highly sensitive and accurate laboratory method, to directly measure aldosterone in your serum.
This test measures a single circulating hormone. It does not measure other adrenal hormones, does not distinguish free versus total aldosterone, and does not report a calculated value. The result reflects your aldosterone level at the time of collection.
Benefits
- Uses a highly sensitive, accurate LC-MS method to measure aldosterone
- Helps evaluate aldosterone levels tied to blood pressure regulation
- Supports monitoring of adrenal-related treatment plans over time
- Provides a serum aldosterone measurement for you and your provider
- Offers a simple blood draw with no fasting required
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with high blood pressure
- People with low potassium levels
- Those with symptoms like muscle weakness, frequent urination, or fatigue
- Individuals with a family history of adrenal gland tumors
- Patients with hypertension that is difficult to control with medication
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this hormone test?
This test measures the level of aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, in your blood. It uses LC-MS technology to give a precise, directly measured result. This measurement may help a healthcare provider evaluate factors related to blood pressure and electrolyte balance. The test alone does not diagnose any condition.
2. Who would benefit from this test, and when should I consider ordering it?
This test may be useful for individuals with high blood pressure, low potassium levels, or symptoms such as muscle weakness, frequent urination, fatigue, headaches, numbness or tingling, or an irregular heartbeat. It may also be relevant for those with a family history of adrenal gland tumors or hypertension that is difficult to manage with medication. Beyond initial evaluation, it may also be used to help monitor aldosterone levels during treatment for certain adrenal-related conditions. A healthcare provider can help determine if this test is appropriate for your situation, and this test does not replace a full medical evaluation.
3. How does this test differ from other hormone tests?
This test measures aldosterone directly using LC-MS methodology, rather than reporting a calculated value or an estimate. It reflects a single circulating hormone and does not measure related hormones, precursors, or binding proteins. Because it is not a panel, it does not provide a broader evaluation of adrenal or endocrine function beyond aldosterone itself.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for this test. If possible, medications should be stopped 3 weeks prior to collection, though you should check with your physician before stopping any medications. It is recommended that you be ambulatory for at least 30 minutes before blood collection. Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 4-7 days. This timeframe may take longer depending on weather, holidays, or other lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your aldosterone result depends on your individual symptoms, medical history, medications, and other factors, so interpretation should always involve your healthcare provider. Aldosterone results are often reviewed alongside other clinical information or laboratory findings. A single result, whether high or low, does not on its own confirm or rule out a hormonal condition.
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.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review any results that fall outside the expected range with a qualified healthcare provider. They can help determine what the result may mean in the context of your health history and whether additional evaluation is needed. This test result alone does not provide a complete clinical conclusion.
8. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider, based on your individual health needs. There is no standard repeat testing schedule associated with this test in the absence of provider guidance.
Pre test preparation
No fasting is required. If possible, medications should be stopped 3 weeks prior to collection. Check with your physician before stopping any medications. It is recommended that you be ambulatory for at least 30 minutes before blood collection.
Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
