Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, Serum
Use
The test is useful for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of hyperandrogenism and as an adjunct in the diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It is also used for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of premature adrenarche. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a principal C-19 steroid that serves as a precursor for most sex steroids. Evaluating levels of DHEA-S can provide insight into adrenal gland activity and androgen production.
Special Instructions
It is advised to follow proper specimen collection and handling protocols to avoid diagnostic confusion. Implausible results should be communicated to the laboratory for further evaluation. Human anti-mouse antibodies or heterophile antibodies can interfere in immunoassays and require careful interpretation of results.
Limitations
There are no established guidelines for DHEA-S replacement or supplementation therapy, and its value is generally regarded as doubtful in most settings. High levels of DHEA-S could suggest the presence of androgen-secreting adrenal tumors, but not all elevations are clinically significant. DHEA-S levels should not be used as the primary diagnostic tool for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Additionally, factors like medications and the presence of certain antibodies may affect the accuracy of results.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Immunoenzymatic Assay)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2191-5
- 2191-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.6 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |