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Test Code RENIN Renin Activity, Plasma

Important Note

  • If collected along with Aldosterone for primary aldosteronism testing,  the preferred collection time is between the hours of 08:00 and 10:00 AM. See test Aldosterone, Serum for separate specimen requirements.
  • An order for Renin Activity, Plasma for other purposes may be collected at any time of the day.

Additional Codes

Mayo Test ID
PRA
EPIC Code
LAB532
Sunquest Code
RENIN

 

Reporting Name

Renin Activity, P

Useful For

Investigation of primary aldosteronism (eg, adrenal adenoma/carcinoma and adrenal cortical hyperplasia) and secondary aldosteronism (renovascular disease, salt depletion, potassium loading, cardiac failure with ascites, pregnancy, Bartter syndrome)

 

This test is not useful for determination of plasma renin concentration.

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Plasma EDTA
Bronson Laboratory Services Note:

PM collections can lower result values by 30% compared to collections performed in the AM. Preferred collection time is between the hours of 08:00 and 10:00 AM.

 

If Aldosterone is also ordered, both samples should be from the same collection time. See test Aldosterone, Serum for separate specimen requirements.


Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: For 4 to 6 weeks before specimen collection, spironolactone (Aldactone) should be discontinued, as plasma renin activity cannot be interpreted if the patient is being treated with spironolactone.

Collection Container/Tube: Chilled, lavender top (EDTA)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.8 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Draw blood in a chilled syringe from a patient in a seated position; place specimen in a chilled, 3-mL lavender-top (EDTA) tube and mix well. Alternatively, draw blood directly in a chilled, EDTA tube.

2. Immediately place EDTA tube into an ice-water bath until thoroughly cooled.

3. Immediately centrifuge using a refrigerated centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial.

Note: If a refrigerated centrifuge is unavailable, chill the centrifuge carriers before use. Centrifuge specimen for 5 minutes or less, then promptly aliquot plasma into a plastic vial.

4. Immediately freeze plasma.


Bronson Laboratory Services Note:

Collection: 4.0 mL whole blood in a Pre-Chilled Lavender Top container.

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Bronson Laboratory Services Note:

Minimum Volume: 3.0 mL whole blood.

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Plasma EDTA Frozen 14 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Special Instructions

Reference Values

0-2 years: 4.6 ng/mL/h (mean)* Range: 1.4-7.8 ng/mL/h

3-5 years: 2.5 ng/mL/h (mean)* Range: 1.5-3.5 ng/mL/h

6-8 years: 1.4 ng/mL/h (mean)* Range: 0.8-2.0 ng/mL/h

9-11 years: 1.9 ng/mL/h (mean)* Range: 0.9-2.9 ng/mL/h

12-17 years: 1.8 ng/mL/h (mean)* Range: 1.2-2.4 ng/mL/h

Mean data not standardized as to time of day or diet. Infants were supine, children sitting.

*Stalker HP, Holland NH, Kotchen JM, Kotchen TA. Plasma renin activity in healthy children. J Pediatr. 1976;89(2):256-258

 

Na-depleted, upright (peripheral vein specimen)

18-39 years: 10.8 ng/mL/h (mean)

2.9-24.0 ng/mL/h (range)

≥40 years: 5.9 ng/mL/h (mean)

2.9-10.8 ng/mL/h (range)

 

Na-replete, upright (peripheral vein specimen)

18-39 years: 1.9 ng/mL/h (mean)

≤0.6-4.3 ng/mL/hour (range)

≥40 years: 1.0 ng/mL/h (mean)

≤0.6-3.0 ng/mL/h (range)

Bronson Laboratory Services Note:

PM collections can lower result values by 30% compared to collections performed in the AM. Preferred collection time is between the hours of 08:00 and 10:00 AM.

 

If Aldosterone is also ordered, both samples should be from the same collection time. See test Aldosterone, Serum for separate specimen requirements.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday, Sunday

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

84244

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
PRA Renin Activity, P 2915-7

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
8060 Renin Activity, P 2915-7

Report Available

2 to 5 days

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:

-General Request (T239)

-Cardiovascular Test Request (T724)