Test Details
Methodology
Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)
Result Turnaround Time
4 - 6 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
Evaluate adrenal carcinomas that frequently secrete large amounts of DHEA
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Custom Additional Information
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid that is produced by both the adrenal cortex and the testis.3 The levels of this steroid increase before the onset of puberty (adrenarche) and decrease significantly with age.4 DHEA and DHEA-S are the major precursors of 17-ketosteroids.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 6 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
| Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Reference Range
See table.1,2
| Age (y) | Range (ng/dL) |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 | 0−67 |
| 6 to 7 | 0−110 |
| 8 to 10 | 0−185 |
| 11 to 12 | 0−201 |
| 13 to 14 | 0−318 |
| 15 to 16 | 39−481 |
| 17 to 19 | 40−491 |
| 20 to 50 | 31−701 |
| >50 | 21−402 |
Storage Instructions
Sample must be refrigerated due to limited stability at room temperature. Freeze if unable to maintain refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Shipped or received in lab at room temperature
Footnotes
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 004100 | DHEA, Serum | 2193-1 | 070355 | Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) | ng/dL | 2193-1 |
| Order Code | 004100 | |||||
| Order Code Name | DHEA, Serum | |||||
| Order Loinc | 2193-1 | |||||
| Result Code | 070355 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) | |||||
| UofM | ng/dL | |||||
| Result LOINC | 2193-1 |