Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), ACTH Stimulation
Also known as: Dehydroepiandrosterone (Two Specimens), DHEA, ACTH Stimulation, Unconjugated DHEA (Two Specimens)
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 in 2 to 5 mL of sterile saline and inject over two minutes. Draw blood for stimulated DHEA 60 minutes after injection. Label each tube with the patient's name, collection time, and date. Submit specimens on the same test request form. Refer to the online Endocrine Appendix for expected steroid values at baseline and after ACTH stimulation.
Limitations
The test may not be reliable if the specimen is not stored properly or if there are delays in specimen delivery. Additional time may be needed for confirmation or reflex testing, depending on the initial results. There may be variations based on testing schedules.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 16734-6
- 13863-6
Result Turnaround Time
4-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL (each specimen)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
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. Label each tube with patient's name, collection time, and date.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate.