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

Plasma EDTA

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.

Frozen - 14 days
 

Gross Hemolysis: Reject

Not frozen: Reject

84244 - Renin Activity (EAP 30020524)

To avoid delays in turn around time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.