Aldosterone, Left Adrenal Vein, Plasma
Use
This test is useful for the investigation of primary or secondary aldosteronism, which involves conditions such as primary aldosteronism (e.g., adrenal adenoma/carcinoma and adrenal cortical hyperplasia) and secondary aldosteronism (e.g., renovascular disease, salt depletion, potassium loading, cardiac failure with ascites, pregnancy, Bartter syndrome). By measuring aldosterone levels in the left adrenal vein, the test provides valuable diagnostic information for hypertensive disorders and aids in the differential diagnosis of causes of aldosteronism.
Special Instructions
Patients should discontinue spironolactone (Aldactone) for 4 to 6 weeks before specimen collection. This is because plasma renin activity cannot be correctly interpreted if the patient is being treated with spironolactone. The collection is recommended at 8 a.m. after the patient has been active for approximately 2 hours, and it should be done no later than 10 a.m. Centrifuge the plasma and aliquot into a plastic vial for proper submission.
Limitations
Results can be variable with time of day and patient positioning. Late afternoon levels can be lower than early morning levels, and supine values are significantly lower than those obtained from upright collections. Sodium-deplete patients might exhibit significantly elevated aldosterone levels. Additionally, the effects of concurrent medications like ACE inhibitors can lead to falsely elevated renin levels, affecting the test's interpretative accuracy. Therefore, PRA measured concomitantly is recommended in variable physiological situations to account for these factors.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1763-2
- 1763-2
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1.6 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Lavender top (EDTA)
Collection Instructions
The recommended collection time is 8 a.m., after the patient is active for approximately 2 hours, and no later than 10 a.m. Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
Spironolactone (Aldactone) should be discontinued for 4 to 6 weeks before specimen collection.
Storage Instructions
Store frozen if possible.
Causes for Rejection
None indicated.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |