Aldosterone suppression test
Sample: Cold serum or EDTA plasma. The patient has to be either on rest or in activemovement (according to the physician΄s instructions) for at least 30 min before the sampling. Collect 2mL of blood in a plain tube previously immersed in ice. Separate the serum immediately after collection and store frozen at less than -20°C. Hemolysis interferes with the test. Transport frozen the specimen to the laboratory in dry-ice following collection.
Schedule: Wednesday and Friday (RIA)
Units: ng/dL
Range: Upright: 4.0-31ng/dL
Supine:1.6 -16 ng/dL
Imporant: Ratio of Aldosteron/Renin > 50 is critical
Remarks: Aldosterone production is inversely correlated with salt intake so aldosterone production should be suppressed in patients after a high salt diet. High or normal aldosterone levels after 3 days of a high salt diet are consistent with hyperaldosteronism.
