Test Code DHEA_ Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Serum
Necessary Information
Patient's age and sex are required.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum to plastic vial.
Useful For
Diagnosing and differential diagnosis of hyperandrogenism (in conjunction with measurements of other sex steroids)
As an initial screen in adults with bioavailable testosterone measurement. Depending on results, this may be supplemented with measurements of sex hormone-binding globulin and occasionally other androgenic steroids (eg, 17-hydroxyprogesterone).
An adjunct in the diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH); DHEA/DHEAS measurements play a secondary role to the measurements of cortisol/cortisone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione
Diagnosing and differential diagnosis of premature adrenarche
Special Instructions
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Portions of this test are covered by patents held by Quest Diagnostics
Reporting Name
Dehydroepiandrosterone, SSpecimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum Red | Frozen (preferred) | 28 days | |
Refrigerated | 21 days | ||
Ambient | 6 hours |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | OK |
Reference Values
Premature: <40 ng/mL*
0-1 day: <11 ng/mL*
2-6 days: <8.7 ng/mL*
7 days-1 month: <5.8 ng/mL*
>1-23 months: <2.9 ng/mL*
2-5 years: <2.3 ng/mL
6-10 years: <3.4 ng/mL
11-14 years: <5.0 ng/mL
15-18 years: <6.6 ng/mL
19-30 years: <13 ng/mL
31-40 years: <10 ng/mL
41-50 years: <8.0 ng/mL
51-60 years: <6.0 ng/mL
≥61 years: <5.0 ng/mL
*Source: Dehydroepiandrosterone. In: Soldin SJ, Brugnara C, Wong Ed, eds. Pediatric Reference Ranges. 5th ed. AACC Press; 2005:75
For SI unit Reference Values, see www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Thursday
Report Available
2 to 6 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed, and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
82626
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
DHEA_ | Dehydroepiandrosterone, S | 2193-1 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
81405 | Dehydroepiandrosterone, S | 2193-1 |