General
Synonym/Acronym:
Plasma renin activity (PRA).
Common Use:
To assist in evaluating for a possible cause of hypertension.
Specimen:
Plasma (3 mL) collected in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube.
Normal Findings:
(Method: Radioimmunoassay)
| Age and Position | Conventional Units | SI Units (Conventional Units × 1) |
|---|
| Newborn–12 mo | 2–35 ng/mL/hr | 2–35 ng/mL/hr |
| Supine, normal sodium diet | | |
| 1–3 yr | 1.7–11.2 ng/mL/hr | 1.7–11.2 mcg/L/hr |
| 4–5 yr | 1.0–6.5 ng/mL/hr | 1.0–6.5 mcg/L/hr |
| 6–10 yr | 0.5–5.9 ng/mL/hr | 0.5–5.9 mcg/L/hr |
| 11–15 yr | 0.5–3.3 ng/mL/hr | 0.5–3.3 mcg/L/hr |
| Adult | 0.2–2.3 ng/mL/hr | 0.2–2.3 mcg/L/hr |
| Upright, normal sodium diet | | |
| Adult–older adult | 1.3–4 ng/mL/hr | 1.3–4 mcg/L/hr |
| Values vary according to the laboratory performing the test, as well as the patient’s age, gender, dietary pattern, state of hydration, posture, and physical activity. |