Raised in primary & secondary aldosteronism, very low sodium diet, pregnancy, and Bartter’s syndrome. Decreased in CAH, aldosterone synthetase deficiency, very high sodium diet, Addison’s disease, and hyporeninaemic hypoaldosteronism. Call the laboratory for advice on when this test is indicated.
Tube
Serum or Lithium Heparin or EDTA plasma
ID
12609
Availability
Weekly
Additional Information
Investigation of unexplained hypokalaemia, particularly when associated with hypertension. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with plasma renin levels. Values decrease in the elderly, but can be very high in the neonate. All antihypertensive medications potentially interfere with aldosterone physiology.
Turn Around
21 days
Send to
Specialist Laboratory Medicine
Block 46
St James hospital
Beckett Street
Leeds
LS9 7TF
Contact
For further details please contact Leeds Pathology customer services: [email protected].
Advice
Tel: 01132064717
Email: [email protected]
Collection Con
Should be measured in recumbent patient on a normal diet. Green/black topped tube (NOT green/yellow) EDTA tube also acceptable. Instructions for lab staff: Consult a BMS if sample older than 24hrs. Centrifuge and separate plasma. Store in freezer.
Sample REQ
Blood
Ref. Range (Male)
100 to 850 pmol/L on random samples
Ref. Range (Female)
100 to 850 pmol/L on random samples
Ref. Range Notes
Na intake 100 to 150, K intake 50 to 100 mmol/day, Adults aged 20 to 40 yrs: 08.00h after overnight recumbancy; 100 to 450. Random samples taken during normal activities through the day; 100 to 850. Values decrease significantly in the elderly (> 60 yrs). Values can be very high (>5000) in the neonate, but reduce rapidly. Adult ref. ranges are reached by age 10 yrs
Units
pmol/L
IP Routine TAT
21 days, note if requesting both PRA and aldosterone and only one sample is received, our quoted TAT is 30 days.