Test Code ALAV Aldosterone, Left Adrenal Vein, Serum
Reporting Name
Aldosterone, LAVUseful For
Investigation using left adrenal vein specimen for:
-Primary aldosteronism (eg, adrenal adenoma/carcinoma and adrenal cortical hyperplasia)
-Secondary aldosteronism (renovascular disease, salt depletion, potassium loading, cardiac failure with ascites, pregnancy, Bartter syndrome)
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in RochesterSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Patient Preparation: Spironolactone (Aldactone) should be discontinued for 4 to 6 weeks before testing. The plasma renin activity cannot be interpreted if the patient is being treated with spironolactone.
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1.8 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. See Renin-Aldosterone Studies for detailed instructions.
2. The recommended collection time is 8 a.m., after the patient is active for approximately 2 hours. Try to collect the specimen as close to that time as possible and no later than 10 a.m.
3. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
Frozen | 30 days | ||
Ambient | 4 days |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
No established reference values.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
82088
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
ALAV | Aldosterone, LAV | 1763-2 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
6349 | Aldosterone, LAV | 1763-2 |
Clinical Information
Aldosterone stimulates sodium transport across cell membranes, particularly in the distal renal tubule where sodium is exchanged for hydrogen and potassium. Secondarily, aldosterone is important in the maintenance of blood pressure and blood volume.
Aldosterone is the major mineralocorticoid and is produced by the adrenal cortex.
The renin-angiotensin system is the primary regulator of the synthesis and secretion of aldosterone. Likewise, increased concentrations of potassium in the plasma may directly stimulate adrenal production of the hormone. Under physiologic conditions, pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone is not a major factor in regulating aldosterone secretion.
For more information see Steroid Pathways.