Aldosterone

Pathology category

Biochemistry - referred tests

Code

ALD

Referral code

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Test information

The Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines (2008) recommends the following patient groups be investigated for primary hyperladosteronism (PA). Patients with (i) moderate, severe or drug resistant hypertension (ii) hypertension and hypokalemia (iii) hypertension with adrenal incidentaloma (iv) hypertension and a family history of early onset hypertension or cerebrovascular accident at an early age (<40 years). The only form of secondary hyperaldosteronism in which the assay of aldosterone is of value is Bartter's syndrome (not in nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis etc). Measurement of PRA may assist management. IF RENIN ALSO REQUESTED BOOK IN AS CONN.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Include blood pressure and drugs.

Reference range

After overnight recumbency: 100 – 450 pmol/L. Random sample on upright patient: 100 – 800 pmol/L

Tube type

Tube type info

Lithium heparin (EDTA acceptable) STT if only for aldosterone

Special requirements

Plasma (or serum)

Minimum volume

700 uL

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

TAT Inpatient

4 weeks

TAT GP/Outpatient

4 weeks

Referral lab

Dept of Clinical Biochemistry, Charing Cross Hospital