Aldosterone and Renin Direct, With Ratio
Also known as: ALD/DR
Use
The "Aldosterone and Renin Direct, With Ratio" test is used to screen for and diagnose hyperaldosteronism. It measures levels of aldosterone and renin in the body, providing a calculated aldosterone/renin ratio which helps in identifying potential cases of primary aldosteronism. This test is crucial for monitoring the renin direct concentrations which may be influenced by factors such as posture and sodium intake. The test results can be significant in understanding whether a patient's aldosteronism is due to mineralocorticoid production that is independent of the renin-angiotensin system.
Special Instructions
It is recommended to collect the specimen midmorning (7am-10am) with the patient in either a supine or upright position for a minimum of 30 minutes before collection. Specimens should not be collected in refrigerated tubes or stored on ice. Monitored sodium intake is necessary as it can affect the aldosterone levels.
Limitations
The test should not be used for patients being treated with cathepsin B, as menstruating females or those taking estrogen-containing medications may present lower renin direct concentrations, leading to falsely high aldosterone-renin ratios. Additionally, high sodium intake can suppress serum aldosterone, skewing results. It is advised to consider the Endocrine Society recommendations for patient preparation, and factors influencing test results such as medications and sodium intake need to be controlled to avoid false-positive or false-negative outcomes.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 30894-0
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Collect midmorning after patient has been seated, standing, or walking for at least 30 minutes; seated for 5-15 minutes.
Patient Preparation
Fasting specimens recommended but not required.
Storage Instructions
Frozen; Refrigerated is also acceptable.
Causes for Rejection
Refrigerated plasma or plasma collected in citrate, heparin, or oxalate. Grossly hemolyzed specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 8 hours |
| Refrigerated | 5 days |
| Frozen | 1 month |