Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Serum
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
Not provided.
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.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2193-1 - DHEA SerPl-mCnc
- 2193-1 - DHEA SerPl-mCnc
Result Turnaround Time
2-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 6 hours |
| Refrigerated | 21 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |