Test Details
Methodology
Ionify LC-MS/MS
Result Turnaround Time
3 - 5 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
This test is used to evaluate adrenal carcinomas that frequently secrete large amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
Custom Additional Information
DHEA is a steroid that is produced by both the adrenal cortex and the testis.1 The levels of this steroid increase before the onset of puberty (adrenarche) and decrease significantly with age.2 DHEA and DHEA-S are the major precursors of 17-ketosteroids.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum (preferred) or plasma
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Gel-barrier tube or red-top tube is preferred. Green-top (lithium heparin-no gel) is acceptable.
Collection Instructions
Gel-barrier tube or red-top tube: Centrifuge sample after clotting is complete.
Red-top tube or green-top tube: Transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | Unstable (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
| Refrigerated | 7 days (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
| Frozen | 12 weeks (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
| Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x1 (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Reference Range
See table.3
| Age | Male (ng/mL) | Female (ng/mL) |
|---|---|---|
| <2 y | 0.24–2.89 | 0.24–2.89 |
| 2 to 4 y | 0.22–2.12 | 0.22–2.12 |
| 5 to 7 y | 0.31–2.78 | 0.31–2.78 |
| 8 to 10 y | 0.38–3.15 | 0.47–3.40 |
| 11 to 12 y | 0.49–3.45 | 0.72–4.74 |
| 13 to 14 y | 0.64–3.94 | 1.03–6.09 |
| 15 to 16 y | 0.92–5.21 | 1.22–7.05 |
| 17 to 19 y | 1.27–6.29 | 1.43–8.02 |
| 20 y | 1.53–6.43 | 1.49–8.35 |
| 21 to 30 y | 1.23–6.22 | 1.32–7.18 |
| 31 to 40 y | 0.84–4.92 | 0.90–5.30 |
| 41 to 50 y | 0.56–3.93 | 0.61–4.33 |
| 51 to 60 y | 0.37–3.38 | 0.43–3.75 |
| 61 to 70 y | 0.23–2.61 | 0.34–3.53 |
| 71 to 80 y | 0.25–2.26 | 0.29–2.85 |
| >80 y | 0.16–1.49 | 0.24–2.08 |
Storage Instructions
Sample must be refrigerated. Freeze if unable to maintain refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Shipped or received in lab at room temperature, unspun sample
Footnotes
1. de Peretti E, Forest M. Unconjugated dehydroepiandrosterone plasma levels in normal subjects from birth to adolescence in humans: The use of a sensitive radioimmunoassay. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1976 Nov;43(5):982-991. PubMed 186482
2. Carlstrom K, Brady S, Lunell NO, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and dehydroepiandrosterone in serum: Differences related to age and sex. Maturitas. 1988 Dec;10(4):297-306. PubMed 2976116
3. Labcorp in-house data.