Aldosterone, LC/MS/MS details
What Aldosterone, LC/MS/MS shows
Aldosterone is a hormone made by your adrenal glands that tells your kidneys to hold on to sodium and release potassium, which helps control your blood pressure and fluid balance. This test measures it by LC/MS/MS, a mass spectrometry method that is more specific than older immunoassays. It is measured when looking into high blood pressure that is hard to control or comes with low potassium, and to check adrenal function. A high level can point to the adrenal glands overproducing aldosterone, while a low level can be seen with adrenal insufficiency. Posture, salt intake, time of day and many medicines affect the result, so it is interpreted alongside renin.
Tests that include Aldosterone, LC/MS/MS
Approximately 1-2% of individuals with primary hypertension have primary hyperaldosteronism characterized by hypokalemia (low potassium) and low direct renin. Because serum aldosterone concentrations vary due to dietary sodium intake and body positions, some physicians prefer measurement of 24-hour urine concentrations for aldosterone.
- Aldosterone, LC/MS/MS Measures aldosterone, the adrenal hormone that controls salt, potassium and blood pressure, using a precise mass spectrometry method.
The Aldosterone-renin ratio is used to screen for primary aldosteronism.
- ALDO/PRA Ratio A ratio calculated from aldosterone and plasma renin activity, used mainly to screen for primary aldosteronism as a cause of high blood pressure.
- Aldosterone, LC/MS/MS Measures aldosterone, the adrenal hormone that controls salt, potassium and blood pressure, using a precise mass spectrometry method.
- Plasma Renin Activity, LC/MS/MS Measures plasma renin activity, an enzyme that controls blood pressure and salt balance, mainly used with aldosterone to look for causes of high blood pressure.
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