OVERVIEW:
What is the aldosterone (24 hours urine) lab test?
An aldosterone 24-hour urine lab test is urine test that measures the amount of aldosterone excreted in your urine over a period of 24 hours.
Why is the aldosterone (24 hours urine) lab test done?
An aldosterone 24-hour urine lab test is done in order to:
- Diagnose primary aldosteronism (hormonal disorder that leads to high blood pressure),
- Evaluate primary aldosteronism (hormonal disorder that leads to high blood pressure),
- Diagnose selective hypoaldosteronism (increase in potassium level due to low aldosterone secretion),
- Diagnose and monitor edematous (edema) state,
- Diagnose conditions related to electrolyte imbalance.
What does an aldosterone 24-hour urine lab test measure?
An aldosterone 24-hour urine lab test measures the amount of aldosterone excreted in the urine in a day. Aldosterone is a hormone that helps kidney control salt, water, and potassium balance.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no known risks associated with this test.
How should I prepare for this test?
Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medicines before this test. You must be on a sodium restricted diet for at least 15 days before the test.
What are the causes behind a high aldosterone level?
A high aldosterone level can be caused by kidney disease, heart failure, certain medicines, a tumor in the adrenal gland, liver disease, and abuse of diuretics (water pills).
What are the causes behind a low aldosterone level?
A low aldosterone level can be caused by kidney disease, addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency), and heparin treatment (medicine that helps prevent blood clots).
How should I store my 24-hour urine sample?
It is recommended to refrigerate your sample in order to avoid any effect on the test result.
The level of aldosterone in urine of a person with low sodium intake is 20 -80 micrograms/24 hours.
The level of aldosterone in urine of a person with normal sodium intake is 0 – 19 micrograms/24 hours.
The level of aldosterone in urine of a person with high sodium intake is 0 – 12 micrograms/24 hours.
An aldosterone 24-hour urine lab test is done in order to:
- Diagnose primary aldosteronism (hormonal disorder that leads to high blood pressure),
- Evaluate primary aldosteronism (hormonal disorder that leads to high blood pressure),
- Diagnose selective hypoaldosteronism (increase in potassium level due to low aldosterone secretion),
- Diagnose and monitor edematous (edema) state,
- Diagnose conditions related to electrolyte imbalance.
