Test Overview
Test Methodology

Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Test Usage

DHEA is the primary adrenal androgen and is an important precursor in the biosynthesis of testosterone and estrogens. Nevertheless, circulating DHEA does not appear to be a major precursor of testosterone in cases of androgen excess. It has also been shown that FREE DHEA may be derived in large part from the hydrolysis of circulating DHEA-sulfate, the most abundant adrenal steroid known. Free DHEA levels are often used in conjunction with plasma testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEA-sulfate.

Reference Range *

<b>*Ranges provided by Chemical Pathology, Special Testing Section </b>

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

DHEA levels are elevated by estrogens, aldactone, and during pregnancy.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Tuesday
Analytic Time

8 hours

Soft Order Code
DHEA
MiChart Code
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Synonyms
  • DHEA
  • Free DHEA
Laboratory
Chemical Pathology
Section
Drug Analysis
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect specimen in a red top (preferred) or SST tube. Centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic vial and freeze.

Red Top Tube
Normal Volume
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL serum
Additional Information

Increased serum levels of DHEA may be associated with malignant neoplasm of the adrenal gland (virilizing adrenal tumors) and Stein-Leventhal syndrome. DHEA also may be increased in serum with administration of clomiphene and corticotropin. DHEA in the urine may be decreased due to administration of Dexamethasone (suppression of ACTH) and oral contraceptives.

Billing
CPT Code
82626
Fee Code
36111
LOINC
2193-1
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