Specimen Requirements
Title
Aldosterone/Direct Renin Ratio
Specimen Requirement
Patient preparation:
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors should be avoided, if possible, for at least 48 hours prior to collection. Spironlactone (Aldactone) should be discontinued 4 – 6 weeks prior to testing. Patient should be on a normal sodium diet.
Aldosterone: Collect SST/1.0 mL serum, after 30 minutes of clotting promptly centrifuge and send refrigerated. Or transfer serum to a screw top plastic vial, indicate sample type on tube and send frozen.
Renin: Collect lavender EDTA/1.5 mL plasma, transfer plasma to a screw top plastic vial, indicate sample type on tube and send frozen. Critical frozen.
These test requirements are for the Aldosterone/Renin Ratio only. If ordering Aldosterone, Serum by itself please see the requirements for test code ALDOW.
Methodology
Aldosterone: Chemiluminescence Direct Renin: Chemiluminescence Ratio: Calculation
Stability
Aldosterone-Refrigerated: 5 days, Frozen: 30 days Renin-Frozen: 30 days
Reference Range
The reference range is determined by the performing laboratory and will show on the report.
Turnaround
1-3 days performed Monday-Friday
Clinical Use
Test includes: Aldosterone, direct renin and ratio calculation. Please do not order Aldosterone and Renin individually when Ratio is ordered.
Test Code
ALRRW