DHEA, (Dehydroepiandrosterone), Unconjugated

DHEA, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Serum

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1232010, Beaker: DHEA, Quest: 19894

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One plain Red-top tube.

Do not use Serum Separator Tubes (SST).

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and freeze.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 0.5 mL serum, frozen. (Minimum: 0.3 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Grossly hemolyzed specimens.
• Serum separator tube (SST).
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and freeze. 

Transport: 0.5 mL serum, frozen. (Minimum: 0.3 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 6 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 72 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 90 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Monday – Friday.
Results available 2-6 days.

Reference Range

Adult

Males	147-1760 ng/dL
Females
Pre-Menopausal
- Mid Follicular	385-1143 ng/dL
-  Surge	345-2030 ng/dL
- Mid Luteal	414-1295 ng/dL
Post-Menopausal	77-851 ng/dL

Pediatric

1-11 months	≤327 ng/dL
1 year	≤269 ng/dL
2 years	≤244 ng/dL
3 years	≤253 ng/dL
4 years	≤297 ng/dL
5 years	≤376 ng/dL
6 years	≤487 ng/dL
7 years	≤616 ng/dL
8 years	34-744 ng/dL
9 years	45-854 ng/dL
10 years	56-950 ng/dL
11 years	67-1041 ng/dL
12 years	78-1120 ng/dL
13 years	86-1176 ng/dL
14 years	90-1207 ng/dL
15 years	95-1241 ng/dL
16 years	103-1294 ng/dL
17 years	113-1360 ng/dL

Test Methodology

Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry

Interpretation

By report.

Clinical Utility

DHEA is a weakly androgenic steroid that is useful when congenital adrenal hyperplasia is suspected. It is also useful in determining the source of androgens in hyperandrogenic conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and adrenal tumors.

CPT Codes

82626
LOINC:  2193-1

Contacts

Last Updated

12/17/2025