Ordering Guidance

Advice on stimulation or suppression tests is available from Mayo Clinic's Division of Endocrinology; call 800-533-1710.

Necessary Information

24-Hour volume (in milliliters) is required.

Specimen Required

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

Supplies: Urine tubes, 10 mL (T068)

Container/Tube: Plastic, urine tube

Specimen Volume: 10 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Add 25 mL of 50% acetic acid as preservative at start of collection. Use 15 mL of 50% acetic acid for children under the age of 5 years. This preservative is intended to achieve a pH of between approximately 2 and 4.

2. Collect urine for a full 24 hours (required) and record the total volume.

Additional Information: See Urine Preservatives-Collection and Transportation for 24-Hour Urine Specimens for multiple collections.