Aldosterone Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Aldosterone Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Aldosterone (ALD) Test, PAC (Plasma Aldosterone Concentration), Serum Aldosterone, Aldosterone Blood Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | Not required; maintain normal sodium intake for 2 weeks before the test and avoid natural black liquorice for at least 2 weeks |
| Report Time | 2 to 5 days (may vary by laboratory) |
| Recommended For | Adults and children of all ages, particularly those with difficult-to-control high blood pressure, unexplained low potassium, or suspected adrenal gland disorders |
| Price | Starting at ₹900 |
What Is an Aldosterone Serum Test?
The aldosterone serum test measures the level of aldosterone in the blood. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, two small glands that sit above the kidneys. It plays a key role in regulating blood pressure by controlling the balance of sodium and potassium in the body. Also called the Aldosterone (ALD) Test or PAC (Plasma Aldosterone Concentration), this test uses a small sample of venous blood and is usually ordered alongside a renin test for a fuller picture of adrenal function.
What Does an Aldosterone Serum Test Measure?
The serum aldosterone test measures a single hormone, but the result carries significant clinical meaning when read in context.
Here is what the test analyses:
- Aldosterone (ALD): A hormone released by the outer layer of the adrenal glands. It signals the kidneys to hold onto sodium and release potassium through urine. This process helps retain fluid in the body, which in turn helps maintain blood pressure. When aldosterone levels are too high or too low, blood pressure and electrolyte balance are both affected.
Why Is an Aldosterone Serum Test Done?
A doctor may order this test when symptoms or clinical findings suggest a problem with adrenal hormone production.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the more common reasons a doctor may request an aldosterone blood test:
- Blood pressure consistently above 150/100 mmHg despite treatment
- Unexplained muscle weakness or cramps
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Persistent fatigue
- Headaches and numbness
- Muscular spasms
- Low potassium levels found on a routine blood test
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify several conditions related to the adrenal glands and related systems:
- Primary aldosteronism (Conn syndrome), often caused by a benign tumour on an adrenal gland
- Secondary aldosteronism, arising from conditions such as heart failure, kidney artery narrowing, or Bartter syndrome
- Addison's disease, where the adrenal glands produce insufficient cortisol and aldosterone
- Hypoaldosteronism, a state of abnormally low aldosterone linked to adrenal gland dysfunction
- Adrenal tumours, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Getting ready for this test involves a few specific steps that can meaningfully affect the accuracy of your result.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the aldosterone serum test. However, your diet and certain habits in the weeks before the test still matter significantly.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your appointment:
- Maintain a normal daily sodium intake of around 2,300 mg per day for at least 2 weeks before the test. A very low-salt diet can artificially raise aldosterone levels
- Avoid natural black liquorice for a minimum of 2 weeks, as it can interfere with results
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. Some may need to be paused for 2 to 3 weeks before the test
- If your doctor has prescribed spironolactone (a blood pressure medicine), ask whether it needs to be stopped 4 to 6 weeks before testing
- Stay well hydrated and wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for easy blood draw access
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood collection process is straightforward. Here is what typically happens:
- The test is best done in the early morning, around 8 a.m., after you have been up and moving for about 2 hours, and no later than 10 a.m.
- Arrive at the collection centre or invite the home collection professional at the scheduled time
- Sit calmly for 5 to 15 minutes before the blood draw, as your body position influences aldosterone levels
- The phlebotomist cleans a small area on your arm and gently inserts a needle into a vein
- A small amount of blood is drawn into a collection tube
- Light pressure is applied to the site; the sample is then labelled and sent to the laboratory for analysis
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence your result. Be aware of the following:
- Time of day (levels can be up to 30% lower in the late afternoon compared to early morning)
- Body position during collection (lying down produces values roughly 50% lower than standing)
- Sodium intake in the days leading up to the test
- Certain medications, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, NSAIDs, and steroids
- Low potassium levels, which can lead to falsely low results
- Existing kidney disease or other concurrent health conditions
Understanding Your Aldosterone Serum Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed by your doctor alongside other tests, such as renin levels, and in the context of your full medical history.
The table below shows general reference ranges for serum aldosterone:
| Age or Condition | Position | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 30 days | Any | 17 to 154 | ng/dL |
| 31 days to 11 months | Any | 6.5 to 86 | ng/dL |
| 1 to 10 years | Supine (lying down) | Up to 40 | ng/dL |
| 1 to 10 years | Upright (standing) | Up to 124 | ng/dL |
| 11 years and above (morning) | Any | Up to 21 | ng/dL |
| Adults | Upright (standing) | 5 to 30 | ng/dL |
| Adults | Supine (lying down) | 3 to 10 | ng/dL |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results should be read:
- During pregnancy, both aldosterone and renin levels naturally rise, which makes interpretation more complex and requires specialist input
- In adults aged 65 and above, the aldosterone-to-renin ratio may be higher due to a greater age-related drop in renin than in aldosterone
- In premenopausal women who are ovulating or premenstrual, the aldosterone-to-renin ratio may be higher than in age-matched men
- Low blood potassium (hypokalaemia) can produce falsely low aldosterone results; potassium levels should be corrected before testing, where possible
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general lifestyle habits support healthy adrenal function and blood pressure regulation:
- Aim for a balanced daily sodium intake; avoid very salty processed foods as well as extreme low-salt diets
- Keep blood pressure in a healthy range through regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management
- Always follow your doctor's guidance before changing or stopping any medication that may affect hormone levels
Lupin Diagnostics Aldosterone Serum Test Price and Home Collection
The aldosterone serum test starts at ₹1,080 and is available with home collection through Lupin Diagnostics across several Indian cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Bhopal | ₹900 |
| Guwahati | ₹900 |
| Mumbai | ₹900 |
| Bangalore | ₹900 |
| Chennai | ₹900 |
| Hyderabad | ₹900 |
| Kolkata | ₹900 |
| Pune | ₹900 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the aldosterone serum test across cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists.
Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The aldosterone serum test checks the amount of aldosterone released by the adrenal glands. Doctors use it to investigate difficult-to-control high blood pressure, unexplained low potassium levels, and suspected adrenal gland disorders such as Conn syndrome or Addison's disease.
Aldosterone and renin work closely together to regulate blood pressure. Comparing the two levels helps a doctor determine whether an abnormal aldosterone reading is caused by a problem in the adrenal glands directly, or by an issue with the kidneys or the broader system that triggers aldosterone production.
Yes, body position has a meaningful effect on serum aldosterone levels. Values taken when lying down are, on average, about 50% lower than those taken when standing upright. This is why the collection procedure specifies a seated rest period before the blood draw, and why your doctor may request repeat samples in different positions if needed.
Aldosterone levels are naturally highest in the early morning. The recommended collection window is around 8 a.m., after being up and active for approximately 2 hours, and no later than 10 a.m. Late afternoon samples can be up to 30% lower than morning samples.
Yes. Several common medications, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, NSAIDs, and steroids, can affect aldosterone levels or the aldosterone-to-renin ratio. Always share a full list of your medicines with your doctor before the PAC test so that adjustments can be made if needed.
No fasting is needed. However, eat a normal-sodium diet for 2 weeks before the test, avoid natural black liquorice for at least 2 weeks, and discuss all your current medications with your doctor. If you take spironolactone, ask your doctor whether it should be paused for 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
Yes. A trained phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, collects a small blood sample from a vein in your arm, and dispatches it to a Lupin Diagnostics NABL-accredited laboratory. The process is quick, clean, and carries the same minimal risk as any routine blood draw.
Aldosterone Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
