Immunoradiometric versus enzymatic renin assay

Abstract

In our experience the inter- and intralaboratory reproducibilities of the immunoradiometric assay appear to be greater than can be achieved with the enzymatic assay, the difference being probably due to the greater complexity of the latter. The two methods provide superimposable information on the renin-angiotensin system activity, except in pregnancy, during which the PRA:IrR ratio is much higher than in the other conditions. Therefore, in this and other pathophysiological situations associated with marked angiotensinogen concentration alterations, the enzymatic assay may be still preferable for assessing the activity of the system accurately.