| Aldo (ng/dL) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| > 6.0 | Positive (PA Confirmed) |
| < 6.0 | Negative (Excludes PA) |
Hypokalaemia is a potent inhibitor of aldosterone secretion. If a patient is hypokalaemic during the test, they may "pseudo-suppress" their aldosterone, leading to a false-negative result. Aggressive potassium supplementation is essential during the 4-day protocol.
The management of primary aldosteronism: case detection, diagnosis, and treatment: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.
The FST protocol requires fludrocortisone (0.1 mg every 6 hours) and high sodium intake for 4 days. If serum K+ is < 3.0 mEq/L, the test result is invalid as hypokalaemia itself suppresses aldosterone.