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DHEA-S
(a.k.a Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate)
minimum sample volume required ~ 5ml
Test Code: AND
Tube type: SST
Other acceptable tube types
Lithium heparin (pale green)
Special instructions
None
Sent away
to University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff
Reference range
Reference range for DHEA-S is age and sex specific, see report
Units
µmol/L
Linked to
Androstenedione
Turnaround Time
14
days
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) is the major steroid produced by the adrenal cortex (zona reticularis) in adults.
DHEA-S has a longer half-life (10-20hr) than its non-sulphated form DHEA (1-3hr), hence DHEA-S is measured.
Assessment of DHEA-S may be useful in –
1) Ambiguous genitalia in neonates.
2) Investigating suspected androgen excess (hirsutism/virilization).
3) Following up significant elevations in testosterone in females (confirmed via LC-MS) and/or virilization of sudden onset.
Webpage updated: March 2024.
