Aldosterone is a steroid hormone and the most potent mineralocorticoid produced by the adrenals. It causes sodium retention and potassium loss. In the kidney, aldosterone causes the transfer of sodium from the lumen of the distal tubule into the tubular cells in exchange of potassium and hydrogen. In other words, the overall effect of aldosterone is to increase reabsorption of ions and water in the kidney. Aldosterone secretion is regulated by renin-angiotensin system, and its levels vary with body position and salt intake. HIGH levels of aldosterone may indicate primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism from heart or kidney disease, Cushing syndrome, very low-sodium diet, Conns syndrome, or Bartter syndrome (rare). LOW levels may indicate Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism, very high-sodium diet, or Addisons disease (rare). Other related tests: Renin Activity, Plasma.
Don’t use grossly hemolyzed, Lipemic and icteric samples. The health care provider may recommend that you eat no more than 3 grams of salt (sodium) per day for at least 2 weeks before the test. Medicines that may affect test results: 1. High blood pressure medicines 2. Heart medicines 3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 4. Antacid and ulcer medicines 5. Water pills (diuretics) Patient position: 1. 1st sample: Patient should be on standing position during the blood drawing. 2. Patient should be on rest 15 minutes before second sample drawing. 3. 2nd sample: patient should be on sleeping (Supine)position 15 minutes before second sample drawing.
Copyright © biolab 2024, Developed by Tech Factory