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Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S), plasma or serum

Alternate test name

DHA, DHEA, DHEAS

Lab area
Clinical Biochemistry - General
Method and equipment
Abbott Ci4100
Expected turn-around time
STAT/Urgent: 4 hours Routine: 24 hours
Specimen type

Serum, Lithium Heparin

Specimen requirements

150 uL

Storage and transportation

Frozen

Shipping information
The Hospital for Sick Children
Rapid Response Laboratory
555 University Avenue, Room 3642
Toronto, ON
Canada
M5G 1X8
Phone: 416-813-7200
Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212
Hours: 7 days/week, 24 hours/day
Background and clinical significance

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is the most abundant adrenal androgen and also functions as a neurosteroid that is produced by the adrenal cortex. DHEA-S is an excellent indicator of adrenal androgen production. DHEA-S exhibits only weak androgenic activity but can be metabolized to more active androgens such as testosterone and androstenedione. Serum concentrations decline with age and can serve as a prognostic factor in both critical illnesses and breast cancer progression. Elevated levels of DHEA-S are found in the plasma of patients with adrenal tumors or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. DHEA-S may also be slightly elevated in patients with polycystic ovaries. Tumors in men that produce hCG may lead to increased levels of testicular DHEA-S.

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