Test Results That Suggest Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison Disease)

Metabolic panel

Serum sodium

< 135 mEq/L (< 135 mmol/L)

Serum potassium

> 5 mEq/L (> 5 mmol/L)

Ratio of serum sodium:potassium

< 30:1

Plasma glucose, fasting

< 50 mg/dL (< 2.8 mmol/L)

Plasma bicarbonate

< 15–20 mEq/L (< 15–20 mmol/L)

BUN (blood urea nitrogen)

> 20 mg/dL (> 7.1 mmol/L)

Hematology

Hematocrit

Elevated

White blood cell count

Low

Lymphocytes

Relative lymphocytosis

Eosinophils

Increased

Imaging

Radiographs, CT, or MRI of adrenals

Evidence of:

• Calcification in adrenal area

• Hemorrhage

• Atrophy