Renal Vein Renin Sampling with Intravenous Contrast (Right Femoral Approach)
Blood is collected directly from the renal veins during catheterization to measure renin, which can help identify the kidney contributing to high blood pressure.
["This test compares renin activity in blood from the two renal veins to help evaluate whether kidney artery narrowing is contributing to high blood pressure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25080-3
- Short code
- RFA Renal v-Bl Vs renin samp W contr IV
- Synonyms
- RFA Renal v-Bl Vs renin samp W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- rf-angio
- CPT
- 86430
- 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
What is this test?
Renal vein renin sampling is a catheter-based test that measures renin, an enzyme involved in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. Blood samples are taken from the veins draining each kidney and may be obtained during a procedure that uses intravenous contrast.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be used when high blood pressure is suspected to be related to narrowing of a kidney artery, a condition called renovascular hypertension. It can help identify which kidney is producing excess renin and may guide treatment or planning for a procedure.
How is the test performed?
A specialist inserts a catheter through a blood vessel in the groin, using a right femoral approach, and collects blood from the renal veins. Renin is measured in the samples, and contrast may be given to help the physician view the blood vessels.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the procedure team's instructions about eating, drinking, and medications. Tell the team about any prior contrast reaction, kidney disease, diabetes, pregnancy, or blood-thinning use, and do not stop prescribed medicines unless your clinician tells you to, because several blood pressure medicines can affect renin results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A marked difference in renin levels between the two renal veins may indicate that one kidney is producing excess renin, which can occur with kidney artery narrowing. Results are interpreted together with blood pressure findings, kidney function, imaging, and medication use; an abnormal value alone does not establish a diagnosis.
Short name
Renal vein renin sampling
Frequently asked questions
Does this test require an overnight hospital stay?
Is intravenous contrast used during renal vein renin sampling?
Can medications affect the 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