The 24-hour urinary aldosterone excretion rate test measures the amount of aldosterone removed in the urine in a day. Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal gland that helps the kidney control salt and potassium balance.
See also: Blood aldosterone test
Aldosterone - urine
A 24-hour urine sample is needed.
For an infant, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For males, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. For females, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.
This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can move the bag, causing the urine to be absorbed by the diaper. Check the infant frequently and change the bag after the infant has urinated into it. Drain the urine from the bag into the container provided by your health care provider.
Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.
Your health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to stop taking drugs that may interfere with the test.
Drugs that can increase aldosterone measurements include lithium, spironolactone, and verapamil.
Drugs that can decrease aldosterone measurements include ACE inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ranitidine, and propranolol.
Factors, other than medications, that can affect aldosterone measurements include strenuous exercise, acute stress, high- or low-sodium diet, and pregnancy. You should avoid coffee, tea, and cola during urine collection. Remain on a 3 grams of sodium per day diet for at least 2 weeks.
The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
The test is done to see how much aldosterone is released into your urine.
Normal values range from 1.5 to 85 micrograms per 24 hours. However, results depend on the amount of sodium in your diet. The greater the amount of dietary sodium, the lower the level of aldosterone.
Results may be questionable if your kidneys do not function properly.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
Greater than normal levels of aldosterone may be due to:
Lower than normal levels may indicate Addison's disease.
There are no risks.
Review Date: 7/25/2009
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