Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Two Specimens
Use
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous steroid hormone that is crucial for the production of androgens and estrogens. It is primarily produced in the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. DHEA serves as a precursor to male and female sex hormones in the body. The assessment of DHEA levels is often used to diagnose adrenal gland disorders such as Addison's disease or Cushing's syndrome, and to investigate the function of the adrenal glands. It is also used to evaluate the presence of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and certain types of cancer such as adrenal tumors.
Special Instructions
This test requires multiple specimens to be collected at different time points, with an initial specimen collected before treatment, followed by subsequent specimens after a drug or treatment such as glucola. Clinicians should be contacted to determine the reason for ordering this series if no treatment is administered after the first specimen.
Limitations
The test should not be used without administering a treatment between sample collections. The test's performance characteristics were determined by Labcorp and are not cleared or approved by the FDA. Results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical condition and concurrent laboratory data. Variability in DHEA levels may occur due to factors such as circadian rhythm, age, and individual biological differences, which could affect test outcomes.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 46963-5
- 2193-1
- 12590-6
Result Turnaround Time
4-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Collection Instructions
Please refer to the Endocrine Appendix of the LabCorp Directory of Services for instructions on multiple specimen collection. This panel requires multiple collections at different time points.