Dehydroepiandrosterone, Serum or Plasma
Use
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) test is used as an adjunct for the investigation of hyperandrogenic and adrenal disorders. It is particularly useful in cases where there is suspected adrenal gland abnormality, providing insight into symptoms related to excessive androgen production. Although helpful for specific diagnostic queries related to adrenal function, it is not recommended for the initial evaluation of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), where other markers may be more directly applicable.
Special Instructions
Collect the specimen between 6-10 a.m. to ensure consistent and accurate hormone measurement due to diurnal variation. Proper specimen handling and timely separation of serum or plasma from cells are critical. Use standard ARUP transport tubes for submission.
Limitations
The test is limited by its specificity to DHEA measurement and may not provide comprehensive information on other androgen precursors or metabolites. Variations in DHEA levels due to diurnal, seasonal, and age-related factors need to be considered. Interpretation requires correlation with clinical findings and possibly other laboratory tests to distinguish adrenal causes from other sources of altered androgen levels.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2193-1
- 2193-1
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Serum separator tube, green (sodium or lithium heparin) tube, or lavender (EDTA) tube.
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells as soon as possible or within 2 hours of collection.
Patient Preparation
Collect specimen between 6-10 a.m.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated transport is preferred for specimen stability.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | 6 months |