The aldosterone to renin ratio test or plasma renin activity (PRA) measures the levels of aldosterone and renin in the blood or the level of aldosterone in urine. Aldosterone is a hormone that plays a vital role in maintaining normal sodium & potassium concentrations in blood and controlling blood volume and blood pressure. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands, which are located at the top of each kidney. High levels of aldosterone can result from primary aldosteronism and cause high blood pressure. And high levels can also cause a variety of other health conditions. Whereas renin is an enzyme that is produced by the kidneys and controls aldosterone production. If there is a fall in blood pressure or if the sodium level in the blood is lower than normal, the production of renin is triggered.
This article covers all the significant topics related to aldosterone to renin ratio tests such as the test cost, preparation for tests, risk factor, and how to get tested for aldosterone to renin ratio tests.
- What is the aldosterone to renin ratio test?
- What is an aldosterone test?
- Symptoms
- What is a renin test?
- Purpose of aldosterone to renin ratio test
- How should you prepare for this test?
- What happens during the aldosterone to renin ratio test?
- Risk of this test
- What do the results mean?
- Other tests
- Provider locations
For our readers who are interested in knowing the aldosterone to renin ratio test cost beforehand, we begin with that section.
How much does the aldosterone to renin ratio tests cost?
Aldosterone to renin ratio test costs ranges around $301 in different labs and facilities across the US. Prior appointment isn’t required. You can order tests online by comparing the price or visiting the nearest lab during lab business hours. You will get the results in your email in 2 to 3 business days after completing the procedure. Apart from this, doctor consultation is available for any kind of further treatment or medical advice.
The table below shows the aldosterone to renin ratio test provider and their prices. You can know more and book the test by clicking on the “Book Now” button.
Name of our Partner Labs | Book Online at Offer Price |
HealthLabs
| $301 |
Aldosterone to renin ratio tests cost with insurance
Many insurance companies in the U.S. cover all the vital tests like the aldosterone to renin ratio tests. However, the coverage provided by private health insurance companies and national health insurance programs like Medicare varies widely. Most of the health insurance policies cover aldosterone to renin ratio test costs only once or twice a year and when your physician orders more than twice in a year, you should pay the test cost out of pocket. So, you are recommended to check if your health insurance policy covers the aldosterone to renin ratio tests cost.
Our aldosterone to renin ratio testing providers does not accept any kind of health insurance policy. However, they can provide you with an itemized receipt containing all the details viz the name of the test, code of the test, and CPT code which is necessary for insurance reimbursement purposes.
What is the aldosterone to renin ratio test?
Aldosterone to renin ratio test measures levels of the hormone aldosterone & renin in the blood. Both aldosterone & renin play important roles in the body. High levels of aldosterone can result from a condition – primary aldosteronism. This condition can lead to a variety of other health conditions. Primary aldosteronism (PA) is also called hyperaldosteronism or Conn syndrome. Typically, a high level of aldosterone causes a dip in renin level. The aldosterone to renin test looks at the ratio between these two hormones and helps the healthcare provider make a diagnosis.
When renin and/or aldosterone levels are not normal, it can be a sign of a serious adrenal gland disorder. As these hormones work together, an aldosterone test is often done at the same time as a renin test. The combined test is also called aldosterone-plasma renin activity.
What is an aldosterone test?
An aldosterone test measures the amount of aldosterone (ALD) in the blood. This test is also called a serum aldosterone test. Aldosterone is a hormone made by the adrenal glands, found on top of your kidneys, and is responsible for producing several important hormones. And it helps to control blood pressure and maintain healthy levels of sodium & potassium. Sodium & potassium are electrolytes. These electrolytes are minerals that help to balance the number of fluids in the body.
Too much ALD can contribute to low potassium levels and high blood pressure. It’s called hyperaldosteronism. Primary hyperaldosteronism can be caused by an adrenal tumor and secondary hyperaldosteronism could be caused by renal artery stenosis, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or some kidney diseases.
Symptoms
When ALD levels are too high or too low, it can be a sign of a serious health problem.
Symptoms of too much ALD may include:
- Weakness
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Muscle cramps
- Temporary paralysis
Symptoms of too little ALD may include:
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Low blood pressure
- Dark patches of skin
- Decreased body hair
What is a renin test?
The renin test measures the level of renin in the blood. Renin is a hormone made by the kidney and controls the production of another hormone – aldosterone. Renin test is useful in diagnosing primary aldosteronism or PA, a disease that happens from having too much aldosterone. PA is also known as Conn syndrome causing high blood pressure. If this condition is left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. Occasionally PA causes low potassium levels, so you may also need this test when you have symptoms of low potassium. It may include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Cramps
- Excessive thirst
Purpose of aldosterone to renin ratio test
Usually, the blood aldosterone test and a renin test are done together if someone has high blood pressure, and especially if a person also has low potassium. This test is done to see if your aldosterone or renin levels are abnormal. And to detect hyperaldosteronism, overproduction of aldosterone, and hypoaldosteronism, underproduction of aldosterone. You may also need this test if your doctor identifies an electrolyte imbalance or when you develop symptoms of hyperaldosteronism, like muscle weakness or high blood pressure.
How should you prepare for this test?
For this test, the healthcare provider may ask you to be upright or lying down for 15-30 minutes before drawing blood. And you may need to avoid certain foods, beverages, or medications before the test. Consult your healthcare provider before taking the test. Additionally, aldosterone levels are high in the morning. So, you may need to have the test in the morning after you have been awake and moving around for about 2 hours. Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
What happens during the aldosterone to renin ratio test?
The blood sample is drawn by a needle from a vein in the arm to measure blood aldosterone and renin. As the blood aldosterone levels vary throughout the day and are affected by position, some healthcare providers may prefer 24-hour urine collection for aldosterone. And in some cases, the blood sample is collected from the renal or adrenal veins by insertion of a catheter. It is done in the hospital at major medical centers by a specially trained radiologist.
Risk of this test
There is little risk in having a blood test. It is common to have slight pain or bruise at the spot where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms go away quickly. And there are no known risks in having a urine test.
What do the results mean?
Many factors can affect the test results, it may also include the method each lab uses to do the test. Sometimes even when the test results are different from the normal value, you may not have a problem. So, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to learn what the results mean for you. Usually, a high level of aldosterone and a low level of renin may indicate that you have primary aldosteronism.
Many factors can affect the levels of aldosterone and renin, it may include:
- Sodium (salt) intake
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Certain medicines
- Time of day the test is done
- Activity level during the day
Other tests
When you are at risk for primary aldosteronism (PA), you may also have frequent blood pressure tests. A healthcare provider can order other blood tests to identify the cause of high blood pressure or confirm the PA diagnosis.
Provider locations
Aldosterone to renin ratio test can be done in any of the following locations by visiting the lab near you. To know the aldosterone to renin ratio test cost, refer to the first section of the article.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover my testing cost?
No, insurance will not be covered in the billing. However, they will provide you with a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.
How should I book my appointment?
You can choose the most suitable provider from above and make an appointment by following the instructions mentioned by them.
Can I cancel my lab test order?
Yes, you can cancel your lab test order any time before your testing. A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider.
Do the providers offer result interpretations?
Yes, a few providers may provide doctor consultation who will take you through the results and provide clarification if needed.
How do I receive my report?
To ensure your privacy, the test report will be mailed to you by the provider.
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