Effect of temperature on plasma renin samples.

Plasma renin activity was measured in parallel in Na2EDTA-contained plasma samples after storage at -20, 4, and 24 degrees C, and in the lyophilized state. In peripheral venous plasma from 22 hypertensive patients, the activity (range, 0.08-46.7 microgram/liter per hour) remained stable during three days of storage at 4 degrees C, but decreased to a variable extent when plasma was kept at 24 degrees C: in one day by 9.2%, two days by 25.6%, and three days by 74.0%. Values were the same for samples handled at room temperature and chilled to 4 degrees C within 3 h and parallel samples immediately cooled in an icebath and kept at 4 degrees C. Freezing (-20 degrees C) and thawing of plasma was associated with a 22% mean increase in activity (range, 0-83%). Lyophilization resulted in a smaller increase of plasma renin activity (mean 12%, range 0-46%). Blood for renin analysis need not be cooled immediately, but must be cooled to 4 degrees C within 2-3 h. It then is stabe for at least three days. Freezing or lyophilization appears to be associated with some cold activation of "prorenin."