The aldosterone urine is a 24-hour test that measures the amount of aldosterone removed in the urine in a day. Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal gland that helps the kidney control salt, water, and potassium balance. This process helps to control blood pressure and the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the blood.
An aldosterone urine test can also check for a tumor in the adrenal glands, gauge the amount of aldosterone released by the adrenal glands, and find the cause of high blood pressure or low potassium levels.
Results are dependent on:
- the kidneys working properly
- the amount of sodium intake
- the condition being diagnosed
High aldosterone levels can be the effect of:
- Kidney disease
- Heart failure
- Some medicines used to treat high blood pressure
- A tumor in the adrenal glands (Conn’s syndrome)
- Liver disease
- Abuse of diuretics (water pills)
- Laxative abuse
Symptoms of high aldosterone include high blood pressure, muscle cramps and weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands, and low levels of potassium in the blood.
Low aldosterone levels can be generated by:
- Kidney disease, types of kidney disease seen in people who also have diabetes.
- Addison’s disease
- Heparin treatment (medicine that helps prevent blood clots)
Many nonprescription and prescription medications may change the results of this test. These include:
- high blood pressure medicines
- diuretics
- hormones (such as progesterone and estrogen)
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- heart medicines
- antacid and ulcer medicines
- corticosteroids
Check with physician before stopping any medications.
LC Sample ReportQD Sample Report
Test Code(s):
229, 004291
Also Known As:
Aldosterone - urine; Addison disease - urine aldosterone
Preparation:
You must take your lab order to the lab to obtain a proper specimen container before collection. No fasting required. Do not drink coffee, tea, or cola during the day the urine is collected. Do not eat more than 3 grams of salt (sodium) per day for at least 2 weeks before the test. Urinate at 8am and discard the specimen. Then collect all urine in 24-hour period, ending with final collection at 8am the next morning. Refrigerate the collected urine between all voidings or keep it in a cool place. Screw the lid on securely. Transport the specimen promptly to the laboratory. Container must be labeled with full name, date and time collection started, and date and time collection finished. Certain medications may affect the results. Check with physician before stopping any medications.
Test Results:
10-14 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
