Plasma Renin Activity (Renin Concentration)
This test measures the amount of renin, an enzyme produced by your kidneys that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
["Renin helps control how much fluid stays in your body and how much pressure your blood exerts."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12901-5
- Short code
- Renin sp3 p chal Plas-cCnc
- Synonyms
- Renin sp3 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions affecting your kidneys, blood pressure, or hormones that influence fluid balance. It could also help diagnose or monitor conditions like hypertension, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances such as primary or secondary aldosteroneism.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications (like some blood pressure drugs) or fluids for a short time before your blood is drawn. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure renin levels.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your doctor based on your overall health, symptoms, and other test results. High renin levels may suggest conditions like kidney disease or certain types of hypertension, while low levels might indicate other hormonal or fluid balance issues.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Renin Activity
Frequently asked questions
What are the normal reference ranges for this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
How long will it take to get my results?
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