Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC36547Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID DHEA_CPT Code 82626

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Serum

Clinical Use

Use

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is used for diagnosing and differential diagnosis of hyperandrogenism, often in conjunction with other sex steroids. It serves as an initial screen in adults, often supplemented with other androgenic steroids based on results. It aids in diagnosing congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), although DHEA/DHEAS plays a secondary role to other steroids like cortisol and androstenedione. It's also used for diagnosing premature adrenarche. DHEA acts as a precursor to most sex steroids and is largely secreted by the adrenal gland under the influence of ACTH.

Special Instructions

Patient's age and sex are required for accurate interpretation. Requests for this test cannot be added to previously received specimens. Additional specimen processing like centrifuging and aliquoting into a plastic vial is necessary.

Limitations

DHEA/DHEAS levels do not have a fully established correlation with human well-being or disease risk factors. There are no established guidelines for DHEA/DHEAS replacement therapy, and its clinical value is uncertain. Over-treatment can result in hyperandrogenic effects, particularly in postmenopausal females if levels exceed the upper reference range. Elevated levels suggest increased adrenal androgen production, which can be indicative of androgen-secreting adrenal tumors, though some elevations are idiopathic. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia can cause high levels, but other steroid analytes provide better diagnostic accuracy for CAH.

Test Details

New York Approved