Plasma Renin Activity

Message

This test was developed and its performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not necessary. Performance characteristics refer to the analytical performance of the test.

Test Code

10537X

CPT Codes
84244

Preferred Specimen

3 mL plasma (0.4 mL minimum)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

Centrifuge and separate blood at room temperature. Avoid refrigerated temperatures. When submitting catheterization studies, it is recommended that the referring laboratory retain a portion of each sample. Patient should refrain from taking medications, preferably 3 weeks prior to draw. Patient should be ambulatory for 30 minutes prior to draw. Patient should be on a moderate sodium diet during collection.

Transport Container

EDTA (lavender-top)

Transport Temperature

Frozen, stable 6 months

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 28 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Received refrigerated

Methodology
Angiotensin I Generation, Radioimmunoassay

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 4 days

Reference Range

Nonhypertensive adults (upright/sitting):	0.65 - 5.0 ng/mL/h

Nonhypertensive children supine:	(ng/mL/hr)
3-12 months	15.0 or Less
1-3 years	10.0 or Less
4-6 years	7.5 or Less
7-9 years	5.9 or Less
10-12 years	5.3 or Less
13-15 years	4.4 or Less

Nonhypertensive children upright/sitting:	(ng/mL/hr)
3-12 months	15.0 or less
1-3 years	10.0 or less
4-6 years	15.0 or less
7-9 years	17.0 or less
10-15 years	16.0 or less

Pediatric data from J Pediatrics (1976) 89:256; Pediat Res (1979) 13:817; and Eur J Pediatr (1994) 153:284.

Clinical Significance

The measurement of plasma renin activity (PRA) is useful in evaluating hypertension. A normal or high PRA rules out primary aldosteronism, whereas a normal or low PRA helps rule out renal hypertension. Additionally, an elevated PRA may indicate renovascular hypertension due to renal artery stenosis.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Dr
Chantilly, VA 20153

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.