Important Note

This test must be scheduled with Nursing staff in ORU, call 645-3743.

Protocol Requirements:

 1. 2L  0.9% saline for IV administration

 2. Infusion pump/giving set

 3. 2 indwelling catheters

 4. 4 Pre-chilled Lavender tubes,  2 SST (Serum Separator Tube), 1 Green Top tube (Li Heparin)

 5. Patient should be fasting for 10-12 hours

Procedure:

Please alert Specimen Processing Staff (Ext 3242) that this test is being undertaken

• Start test between 0800 and 0930
• Patient should be in a recumbent position prior to commencing procedure and should remain recumbent throughout test.
• Site indwelling catheter in antecubital fossa with good access for administration of 0.9% saline infusion and site indwelling catheter in opposite arm for blood sampling.
• Check and record BP.
• Draw baseline blood samples for Potassium, Aldosterone and Renin (2 Pre-chilled Lavender tubes sent on ice, 1 SST and 1 Green top tube. (Only the Lavender tubes should be on ice). Send to Lab immediately,
• Commence infusion of 2L 0.9% saline over 4 hours (i.e. infusion rate 500mL/hr.).
• At completion of infusion, immediately draw sample for Aldosterone (recumbent position) and Renin (2 Pre-chilled Lavender tubes sent on ice) and 1 SST). (Lavender tubes only on the ice). Send to Lab immediately.

The second Aldosterone and Renin can be drawn after 10am (should be drawn 4 hours after the start of saline).