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Aldosterone
minimum sample volume required ~ 4ml
Test Code: ALD
Tube type: EDTA
Special instructions
Sample MUST be received by the lab within 4 hours of collection.
Serum potassium must be >3 mmol/L.
Sent away
to Charing Cross Hospital
Contact Laboratory before requesting
Reference range
90 - 700
Units
pmol/L
Linked to
Renin
Turnaround Time
28
days
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Aldosterone:Renin ratio is useful in the investigation of hypertension, especially in resistant hypertension, persistent hypokalaemia (but note that 50% patients with aldosterone producing adenomas are reportedly normokalaemic), or if no obvious cause is found for hypertension in a younger patient.
The renin-aldosterone axis is primarily regulated by renal blood flow. Patients under investigation should therefore not be taking any drugs that interfere with fluid balance or potassium.
Patients should be normally hydrated and have an adequate oral intake of sodium. Significant hypokalaemia must be avoided since this suppresses aldosterone secretion.
Please contact the duty biochemist for details of required patient preparation prior to performing this investigation.
Interpretation of Aldosterone/Renin ratio (ARR):
Conn's unlikely:<680
Possible Conn's: >850
Conn's very likely: >1700
Webpage updated: June 2024
Links:
» Aldosterone and renin: guidance for investigation of primary hyperaldosteronism
