Specimen Required

Patient Preparation: For 4 to 6 weeks before specimen collection, spironolactone (Aldactone) should be discontinued, as plasma renin activity cannot be interpreted if the patient is being treated with spironolactone.

Collection Container/Tube: Chilled, lavender top (EDTA)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.8 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Draw blood in a chilled syringe from a patient in a seated position; place specimen in a chilled, 3-mL lavender-top (EDTA) tube and mix well. Alternatively, draw blood directly in a chilled, EDTA tube.

2. Immediately place EDTA tube into an ice-water bath until thoroughly cooled.

3. Immediately centrifuge using a refrigerated centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial.

Note: If a refrigerated centrifuge is unavailable, chill the centrifuge carriers before use. Centrifuge specimen for 5 minutes or less, then promptly aliquot plasma into a plastic vial.

4. Immediately freeze plasma.