Angiotensiniiuprplasscnc
This test measures the level of Angiotensin II, a hormone that helps control blood pressure, in your blood sample collected after standing.
{"Angiotensin II is a hormone that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance","The 'upright' test measures levels after you have been standing to see how your body responds","This test helps diagnose the cause of high blood pressure or kidney problems","Results help doctors determine if your renin-angiotensin system is working properly","Abnormal levels may indicate conditions like primary aldosteronism or renovascular hypertension"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25563-8
- Short code
- ANGIIU
- Synonyms
- Angiotensin II upr Plas-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Pre-chilled lavender-top (EDTA) tube with aprotinin or other protease inhibitor added to prevent angiotensin II degradation
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 5
- Ref high
- 35
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) or Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
- CPT
- 82164
- SNOMED
- 27298001
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL of whole blood collected in chilled EDTA tube with protease inhibitor
- Stability
- Plasma should be separated immediately in a refrigerated centrifuge and frozen at -20°C or below. Stable for up to 1 month at -20°C; up to 6 months at -80°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 50
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Angiotensin II test measures the amount of a hormone called angiotensin II in your blood. Angiotensin II is an important part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which helps regulate your blood pressure and the balance of salts and fluids in your body. The 'upright' designation means your blood sample was collected after you had been standing for a period of time, as this position affects hormone levels.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have high blood pressure (hypertension) that is difficult to control, or if they suspect a problem with your kidney's blood pressure regulation system. It helps determine whether your body is producing too much or too little angiotensin II, which can guide treatment decisions. The test is often used to investigate the cause of resistant hypertension or to evaluate conditions affecting the adrenal glands.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. For the 'upright' test, you will typically be asked to stand or walk for a period of time (usually 2-4 hours) before the blood draw. This is because standing position stimulates the renin-angiotensin system, and comparing upright results to rest results can provide valuable diagnostic information. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Are there any risks?
The risks associated with this blood test are minimal and include slight pain or bruising at the needle site, lightheadedness, and rare risk of infection. These are common risks associated with any blood draw. The standing requirement may cause mild discomfort for some patients, but it is generally well-tolerated.
Reference range
Upright posture reference values vary by laboratory; generally approximately 5-35 pg/mL (5-35 ng/L) for healthy adults in upright position. Consult your laboratory's specific reference range.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be on a normal sodium diet prior to collection. Avoid strenuous exercise and maintain upright posture for at least 30 minutes before specimen collection. Certain medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, diuretics, NSAIDs) may affect results and should be reviewed with the ordering physician; ideally these are discontinued for 2-4 weeks prior to testing if clinically appropriate.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Why does the test require standing?
How long does it take to get results?
Will I need to stop my blood pressure medications before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy