Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, serum
Clinical Background:
The DHEA-S in circulation originates predominantly from the adrenals. In itself, DHEA-S is only weakly androgenic, but it can be metabolised to produce more potent androgens such as androstenedione...
The DHEA-S in circulation originates predominantly from the adrenals. In itself, DHEA-S is only weakly androgenic, but it can be metabolised to produce more potent androgens such as androstenedione and testosterone. Circulating concentrations of DHEA-S increase steadily from about the seventh year of life, then gradually decline after the third decade. Due to much slower turnover (DHEA-S has a half-life of nearly a full day), DHEA-S maintains a plasma level almost a thousand fold higher than free DHEA. Unlike cortisol, DHEA-S does not exhibit significant diurnal variation. It does not circulate bound to sex hormone binding globulin and hence is not influenced by alterations the level of this carrier protein. Its abundance, together with its within-day and day-to-day stability makes it a useful indicator of adrenal androgen output. Accordingly DHEA-S is often assayed in the investigation of hyperandrogenism.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum
Serum
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum
Serum
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Sample Stability:
Unseparated sample: 2 days
Separated sample: 1 day at 15-25C; 2 weeks at 2-8C, 1 year at -20C
Unseparated sample: 2 days
Separated sample: 1 day at 15-25C; 2 weeks at 2-8C, 1 year at -20C
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Transport Requirements:
Ambient
Ambient
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Interpretation:
Mild to moderate elevations in DHEA-S levels may be associated with PCOS. However, pronounced elevations of DHEA-S may suggest an androgen-producing adrenal tumour. In children, congenital adrenal ...
Read MoreMild to moderate elevations in DHEA-S levels may be associated with PCOS. However, pronounced elevations of DHEA-S may suggest an androgen-producing adrenal tumour. In children, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 3 beta-hydroxysteroid deficiency is associated with excessive DHEA-S production. Lesser elevations may be observed in 21-hydroxylase deficiency (the most common form of CAH) and 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency.
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Reference Ranges:
DHEAS LC-MS/MS Reference Ranges (µmol/L):
Age
Male
Female
<1yr
<1.9
<2.5
1-4
<0.5
<0.7
5-9
<2.7
<2.8
10-14
0.5-6.8
0.5-5.8
15-19
1.5-12.0
1.2-8.0
Read MoreDHEAS LC-MS/MS Reference Ranges (µmol/L):
Age
Male
Female
<1yr
<1.9
<2.5
1-4
<0.5
<0.7
5-9
<2.7
<2.8
10-14
0.5-6.8
0.5-5.8
15-19
1.5-12.0
1.2-8.0
20-39
1.8-12.8
1.2-8.0
40-59
0.7-10.1
0.4-6.5
60+
0.5-8.7
0.1-4.8
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
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Routine Email:
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Specialist Test:
Yes
Yes
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Specialist Contact Name:
Endocrine Lab
Endocrine Lab
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Specialist Telephone:
0191 282 4025
0191 282 4025