Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

TEST: 004100
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CPT: 82626
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Synonyms

  • DHEA
  • Unconjugated DHEA

Expected 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 Information

Related Documents

For more information, please view the literature below.

Adrenal Steroid Response to ACTH: Pediatrics

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Serum

Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

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

Container

Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube

Collection

If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.

Storage Instructions

Sample must be refrigerated due to limited stability at room temperature. Freeze if unable to maintain refrigerated.

Stability Requirements

Temperature

Period

Room temperature

6 hours

Refrigerated

14 days

Frozen

14 days

Freeze/thaw cycles

Stable x3

Causes for Rejection

Shipped or received in lab at room temperature

Test Details

Use

Evaluate adrenal carcinomas that frequently secrete large amounts of DHEA

Limitations

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Methodology

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

Reference Interval

See table.1,2

Age (y)

Range (ng/dL)

0 to 5

0−67

6 to 7

0−110

8 to 10

0−185

11 to 12

0−201

13 to 14

0−318

15 to 16

39−481

17 to 19

40−491

20 to 50

31−701

>50

21−402

Additional Information

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid that is produced by both the adrenal cortex and the testis.3 The levels of this steroid increase before the onset of puberty (adrenarche) and decrease significantly with age.4 DHEA and DHEA-S are the major precursors of 17-ketosteroids.

Footnotes

1. Ducharme JR, Forest MG, De Peretti E, et al. Plasma adrenal and gonadal sex steroids in human pubertal development. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1976; 42(3):468-476. 130382
2. Tietz NW, ed. Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co;1995:195-196.
3. 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; 43(5):982-991. 186482
4. Carlstrom K, Brady S, Lunell NO, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and dehydroepiandrosterone in serum: Differences related to age and sex. Maturitas. 1988; 10(4):297-306.2976116

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
004100 DHEA, Serum 2193-1 070355 Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) ng/dL 2193-1

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