Orderable Name PRA Renin Activity, Plasma
Additional Codes
CNE Order Code: Renin
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.
Specimen Type
Plasma EDTASpecimen 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.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Plasma EDTA | Frozen | 14 days |
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)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday, Sunday
CPT Code Information
84244
Report Available
2 to 5 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Portions of this test are covered by patents held by Quest Diagnostics
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-General Request (T239)
-Cardiovascular Test Request (T724)