oral salt loading test

Indications

• evaluation of hyperaldosteronism

Procedure

• administer sodium chloride 6 grams/day orally in divided doses for 3 days
• measure 24 hour urine aldosterone & urine sodium on day 3

Interpretation

• test confirms hyperaldosteronism if
  • 24 hour urine aldosterone > 12 ug
  • 24 hour urine sodium > 200 meq or 220 mmol/L

More general terms

• salt loading test

Components

• aldosterone in 24 hour urine
• sodium (Na+) in 24 hour urine