Skip to main content

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), ACTH Stimulation

Test Number 140768
Test number copied
CPT 82626(x2)
Synonyms
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone (Two Specimens)
  • DHEA, ACTH Stimulation
  • Unconjugated DHEA (Two Specimens)

Test Details

Methodology

Liquid chromatography tandem/mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)

Result Turnaround Time

4 - 6 days

Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

Related Documents

For more information, please view the literature below.

Adrenal Steroid Response to ACTH: Pediatrics

Use

Evaluate adrenal carcinomas that frequently secrete large amounts of DHEA. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid that is produced by both the adrenal cortex and testis.1 The levels of this steroid increase before the onset of puberty (adrenarche) and decrease significantly with age.2,3 DHEA and DHEA-S are the major precursors of 17-ketosteroids.

Special Instructions

Draw blood for baseline DHEA. Inject cosyntropin 250 μg IM or IV (if IV, dilute cosyntropin in 2 to 5 mL of sterile saline and inject over two minutes). Draw blood for stimulated DHEA 60 minutes after. See the online Endocrine Appendix: ACTH Stimulation for expected values for various steroids at baseline and after ACTH stimulation.

Footnotes

1. de Peretti E, Forest M. Unconjugated dehydroepiandrosterone plasma levels in normal subjects from birth to adolescence in humans: The use of a sensitive radioimmunoassay. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1976 Nov; 43(5):982-991. 186482
2. Ducharme JR, Forest MG, De Peretti E, Sempé M, Collu R, Bertrand J. Plasma adrenal and gonadal sex steroids in human pubertal development. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1976 Mar; 42(3):468-476. 130382
3. Carlstrom K, Brady S, Lunell NO, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and dehydroepiandrosterone in serum: Differences related to age and sex. Maturitas. 1988 Dec; 10(4):297-306. 2976116

References

Tietz NW, ed. Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co;1995:195-196.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Serum

Volume

1 mL (each specimen)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)

Container

Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube

Collection Instructions

If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube. Note: Label each tube with the patient's name, collection time, and date. Submit specimens simultaneously on the same test request form.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate.

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
140768 DHEA, ACTH Stimulation 140769 DHEA Baseline ng/dL 16734-6
140768 DHEA, ACTH Stimulation 140770 DHEA Stimulated ng/dL 13863-6
Order Code140768
Order Code NameDHEA, ACTH Stimulation
Order Loinc
Result Code140769
Result Code NameDHEA Baseline
UofMng/dL
Result LOINC16734-6
Order Code140768
Order Code NameDHEA, ACTH Stimulation
Order Loinc
Result Code140770
Result Code NameDHEA Stimulated
UofMng/dL
Result LOINC13863-6