AsseyMethod: CLIA
Abbrevation: Renin
Sector: Hormone
SampleType: PE
S.Vol: 1
Transport: -20˚c
Storage: Rapidly store at -20˚c
Test Name: Renin Activity , Plasma
Normal Range: 4.4-46.1
To see if your aldosterone or renin levels are abnormal; to detect hyperaldosteronism (overproduction of aldosterone) or hypoaldosteronism (underproduction of aldosterone)
If your doctor finds an electrolyte imbalance or you develop symptoms of hyperaldosteronism, such as high blood pressure or muscle weakness
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm or a 24-hour urine sample
You may be asked to adhere to an unrestricted salt diet prior to the test or to temporarily discontinue one or more medications. The amount of salt in the diet and medicines, such as over-the-counter pain relievers of the non-steroid class (such as Nurofen and Hedex), diuretics (water pills), beta blockers, steroids, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and oral contraceptives can affect the test results. Many of these drugs are used to treat high blood pressure. Your doctor will tell you if you should change the amount of sodium (salt) you ingest in your diet, your use of diuretics or other medications, or your exercise routine before aldosterone and renin are tested. Your doctor will also want to know if your serum potassium level is low as this would affect the aldosterone level.
Please follow any instructions you are given, as this is important to ensure the validity of test results.
Aldosterone is a hormone which regulates the retention of sodium (salt) and water by the kidney and also regulates the removal of potassium. It plays an important role in the control of blood pressure.
Aldosterone is produced by the adrenal glands which are located at the top of each kidney. Its production is stimulated by a complex process that includes several other "hormones", the most important of these being renin and angiotensin II. Renin, produced by the kidney, stimulates production of angiotensin II in the bloodstream. Angiotensin II then regulates the release of aldosterone. Normally when renin increases, aldosterone increases; when renin is low, aldosterone decreases.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample required for measurement of plasma aldosterone and/or renin levels is taken by needle from a vein in the arm. One sample, collected in the morning, usually around 9am, is usually sufficient for the initial investigation of aldosterone and renin disorders. However, because the levels of aldosterone and renin change when a person moves from lying down to standing up, your doctor may collect one sample whilst you are lying down and another after you have been upright for a few hours.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
You may be asked to adhere to an unrestricted salt diet prior to the test or to temporarily discontinue one or more medications. The amount of salt in the diet and medicines, such as over-the-counter pain relievers of the non-steroid class (such as Nurofen and Hedex), diuretics (water pills), beta blockers, steroids, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and oral contraceptives can affect the test results. Many of these drugs are used to treat high blood pressure. Your doctor will tell you if you should change the amount of sodium (salt) you ingest in your diet, your use of diuretics or other medications, or your exercise routine before aldosterone and renin are tested. Your doctor will also want to know if your serum potassium level is low as this would affect the aldosterone level.
Please follow any instructions you are given, as this is important to ensure the validity of test results.