What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing high blood pressure that's hard to control, muscle weakness, cramping, or fatigue that could be linked to low potassium. It's often used when there's suspicion of an adrenal gland issue causing your body to retain too much sodium and lose too much potassium. This blood work helps figure out what type of adrenal problem might be behind these symptoms.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with the normal range clearly explained next to your value. If your level is elevated, next steps typically involve additional imaging or follow-up testing to pinpoint the exact cause, since this result alone doesn't give a full diagnosis. A downloadable lab report is available in your account, and you can track this result over time using the trends feature if you retest later. If your blood pressure or potassium symptoms feel severe, seek medical care right away.

What's included in this test?

This test measures 18-Hydroxycorticosterone (18-OH B), a hormone precursor produced by the adrenal glands. It matters because unusually high levels can point toward a specific type of adrenal growth (adrenal adenoma) that causes blood pressure and potassium problems, helping narrow down the cause versus other adrenal conditions like bilateral adrenal hyperplasia.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. This is a specialized test that requires more detailed lab processing than routine panels, so it takes a bit longer than standard blood work. You'll be notified as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is useful for adults with a combination of high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and excessive potassium loss found on previous testing. It's especially relevant if standard blood pressure medications haven't worked well or if there's a family history of adrenal conditions. This test is a good next step when a healthcare visit has already flagged a possible adrenal cause for these symptoms.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include stubborn high blood pressure, muscle weakness or cramps, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained fatigue. These symptoms can happen when the adrenal glands produce too much of certain hormones, throwing off your body's sodium and potassium balance. If you have several of these symptoms together, especially with hard-to-control blood pressure, this test may help clarify what's going on.

How can I naturally support healthy adrenal and blood pressure balance?

Eating a diet rich in potassium (like leafy greens, bananas, and avocados) and lower in sodium can help support healthy blood pressure. Regular moderate exercise, stress management through activities like meditation or deep breathing, and good sleep habits also support hormone balance. These lifestyle changes work alongside any testing but aren't a substitute for addressing an underlying adrenal issue.

What does a high result mean?

A high level of this compound suggests a greater chance that an adrenal adenoma, a small growth on the adrenal gland, may be present rather than a more general adrenal enlargement. Levels around 100 ng/dL or higher raise this possibility, while the typical cutoff used to flag concern is about 50 ng/dL. A high result usually leads to further imaging or additional hormone tests to confirm the cause.

What causes an abnormal result?

Abnormal levels are usually linked to changes in the adrenal glands, such as a benign growth (adenoma) or general enlargement (hyperplasia) of both glands. These changes cause the adrenal glands to overproduce hormones involved in regulating sodium, potassium, and blood pressure. Other factors like certain medications or timing of the blood draw can also affect results, so retesting under consistent conditions is helpful.

How often should I retest?

Retesting frequency really depends on your individual situation and any treatment or monitoring plan already in place. If you've been diagnosed with an adrenal condition, periodic retesting can help track whether levels are changing over time. Otherwise, this is typically a one-time diagnostic test rather than something checked on a routine schedule.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

18-Hydroxycorticosterone Test - Adrenal & Blood Pressure Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

18-Hydroxycorticosterone Test for Adrenal Blood Pressure Issues