24-hour urinary aldosterone excretion test

Last updated: February 8, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 3 min read

The 24-hour urinary aldosterone excretion test measures the amount of aldosterone removed in the urine in a day.

Aldosterone can also be measured with a blood test.

How the Test is Performed

A 24-hour urine sample is needed. You will need to collect your urine over 24 hours. Your health care provider will tell you how to do this. Follow instructions exactly. This ensures accurate results.

How to Prepare for the Test

Your provider may ask you to stop taking certain medicines a few days before the test so that they don’t affect the test results. Be sure to tell your provider about all the medicines you take. These include:

High blood pressure medicines
Heart medicines
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Antacid and ulcer medicines
Water pills (diuretics)

Do not stop taking any medicine before talking to your doctor.

Be aware that other factors can affect aldosterone measurements, including:

Pregnancy
High- or low-sodium diet
Strenuous exercise
Stress

Do not drink coffee, tea, or cola during the day the urine is collected. Your provider will likely recommend that you eat no more than 3 grams of salt (sodium) per day for at least 2 weeks before the test.

How the Test will Feel

The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

The test is done to see how much aldosterone is released into your urine. Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal gland that helps the kidney control salt and potassium balance.

Normal Results

Results depend on:

How much sodium is in your diet
Whether your kidneys work properly
The condition being diagnosed

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

A higher than normal level of aldosterone may be due to:

Abuse of diuretics (“water pills”)
Liver cirrhosis
Adrenal gland problems
Heart failure
Laxative abuse

Lower than normal levels may indicate Addison’s disease.

Risks

There are no risks with this test.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.