Renin - plasma
Last updated: Thursday, 25, March, 2004
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| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 10 mL blood in EDTA tube, transported immediately to the laboratory on melting ice. Selective venous sampling from the vena cava and renal veins may be indicated. |
| Method | Measurement of renin activity as angiotensin I generation from angiotensinogen. Peripheral venous renin is usually assayed in conjunction with aldosterone, the aldosterone/renin ratio is then calculated. |
| Reference Interval | Depends on patient preparation, posture and drug therapy (eg, levels increased by diuretics, ACE inhibitors) - consult pathologist. |
| Application | Investigation of hypertension when primary hyperaldosteronism or unilateral renal disease is suspected. Asssessing adequacy of mineralocorticoid replacement. Management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. See also Aldosterone - plasma. |
| Interpretation | High aldosterone/renin ratio suggests a mineralocorticoid abnormality. High renin and aldosterone suggests a renal abnormality. Lateralising studies are done in suspected unilateral renal ischaemia or renal artery stenosis. In congenital adrenal hyperplasia, excessive levels indicate inadequate mineralocorticoid replacement. |
| Reference | Lins P-E and |