Aldosterone, Right Adrenal Vein, Serum
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. Aldosterone levels offer insight into sodium transport and blood pressure maintenance. Analyzing right adrenal vein specimen aids in differentiating causes of aldosteronism.
Special Instructions
Patient should discontinue spironolactone (Aldactone) 4 to 6 weeks before specimen collection as it affects plasma renin activity interpretation. It's recommended to collect specimens at 8 a.m., after the patient has been active for approximately 2 hours.
Limitations
High serum aldosterone (SA) to plasma renin activity (PRA) ratio may not conclusively indicate primary aldosteronism in patients on ACE inhibitors due to falsely elevated PRA. Late afternoon aldosterone levels and supine values may show lower readings than early morning and upright values, respectively. Sodium depletion can cause significantly elevated aldosterone levels that may exceed salt-replete upright reference ranges.
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
Serum
Volume
1.8 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Collect specimen at 8 a.m. See Renin-Aldosterone Studies for detailed instructions. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
Spironolactone should be discontinued for 4 to 6 weeks before specimen collection.
Causes for Rejection
None listed; gross hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus are acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |