Renin Assay

Plasma Renin Activity (PRA) Test

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Eating natural black licorice in the 2 weeks before the test.
• Taking some medicines used to treat high blood pressure.
• Taking aspirin, caffeine, estrogens, or diuretics.
• Your position (standing, sitting, or lying down) before the test is done or the time of day when the blood sample is drawn, as well as recent salt intake.
• Taking very high doses of corticosteroids.
• Being pregnant.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: September 15, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology & Metabolism
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.