Aldosterone, Right Adrenal Vein, Plasma
Use
This test is useful for investigating primary aldosteronism, such as adrenal adenoma/carcinoma and adrenal cortical hyperplasia, as well as secondary aldosteronism related to conditions like renovascular disease, salt depletion, potassium loading, cardiac failure with ascites, pregnancy, and Bartter syndrome. It measures the concentration of aldosterone in the right adrenal vein plasma to help in diagnosing conditions that affect aldosterone levels, which play a key role in maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
Special Instructions
Discontinuation of spironolactone (Aldactone) for 4 to 6 weeks before specimen collection is required, as plasma renin activity cannot be interpreted if the patient is being treated with spironolactone. Specimens should be collected ideally between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. after the patient is active for about 2 hours to ensure optimal testing conditions.
Limitations
Testing at late p.m. may result in levels up to 30% lower than early a.m. levels. Supine collections show values that are, on average, 50% lower than upright collections. Sodium-depleted individuals may exhibit plasma aldosterone levels significantly exceeding the upper limit of the salt replete upright reference range. Concurrent measurement of plasma renin activity is advised to account for physiological variability. ACE inhibitors may falsely elevate plasma renin activity and affect the aldosterone to renin ratio, potentially confounding the diagnosis.
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
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Collect the specimen between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. after the patient has been active for about 2 hours. Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
Discontinue spironolactone (Aldactone) 4 to 6 weeks before collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus are acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |