Adrenal Vein Sampling (Investigation Guide)
Adrenal vein sampling is a specialised test that measures hormone levels directly from the veins draining each adrenal gland, used to determine whether one or both glands are producing excess aldosterone in confirmed Conn's syndrome.
Why it's done
- decides whether surgery could cure your high blood pressure, if one gland is affected;
- identifies whether medication is the better approach, if both glands are involved;
- a decision that cannot be reliably made from a CT scan alone.
What we offer
- performed by an interventional radiologist, usually as a day case;
- a thin catheter guided through a vein in the groin to sample each adrenal gland;
- results compared from each side to plan the right treatment.
What the procedure determines
Adrenal vein sampling compares aldosterone and cortisol from both adrenal veins and a peripheral vein. It helps determine whether excess aldosterone comes predominantly from one adrenal gland when surgery is being considered, because CT appearances alone may be misleading.
Preparation and procedure
The specialist team provides instructions about potassium correction, blood-pressure medicines, fasting and admission. An interventional radiologist passes fine catheters through a vein, usually in the groin, using X-ray guidance. Bruising is common; bleeding, contrast reaction and adrenal-vein injury are uncommon but important risks.
Results and UK-wide review
Technical success and lateralisation are interpreted by an experienced endocrine team. Results and treatment options can usually be reviewed securely by video, while the procedure requires a specialist centre.