Plasma Renin Activity (measured via a specific high-performance liquid chromatography method)
This test measures the activity level of renin, an enzyme produced by your kidneys that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.
["Renin activity helps assess kidney function and blood pressure regulation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56574-7
- Short code
- Renin 1h p chal Plas-cCnc
- Synonyms
- Renin 1h p chal Plas-cCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 44
- Ref high
- 147
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 27550007
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate kidney function, diagnose conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), or check for kidney-related disorders. It can also help determine if certain medications are affecting your blood pressure or kidney function.
What Does the Test Involve?
You’ll provide a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed to measure renin activity using a specialized laboratory technique (high-performance liquid chromatography). The test is typically done on plasma, the liquid part of blood without clotting factors.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or foods for a short time before testing. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
What Are Common Results and Their Meanings?
Results are interpreted based on your medical history, symptoms, and other test results. Abnormal levels may suggest conditions like kidney disease, adrenal disorders, or certain types of hypertension.
Reference range
Adult: 44-147 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High renin levels can indicate conditions such as primary aldosteronism, kidney artery stenosis, or certain types of hypertension. Low renin levels may suggest secondary hypertension, kidney disease, or other systemic conditions affecting fluid balance. This test helps guide treatment decisions for managing blood pressure and kidney health.
Short name
Renin Activity
Frequently asked questions
What does a high renin level mean?
What does a low renin level mean?
Can diet affect this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy