DHEA, (Dehydroepiandrosterone),Unconjugated

Quest Diagnostics

Sample type: Serum

Requires fasting: No

Phlebotomy required

Details

This test measures the levels of DHEA, a hormone that plays a role in developing male secondary sexual characteristics but is present in both men and women. It's particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia and helps in identifying the source of excessive androgens, which could be due to conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or adrenal tumors.

Biomarker summary

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), Unconjugated

Additional details

Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected

Details

DHEA, (Dehydroepiandrosterone), Unconjugated - This test measures the levels of DHEA, a hormone that plays a role in developing male secondary sexual characteristics but is present in both men and women. It's particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia and helps in identifying the source of excessive androgens, which could be due to conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or adrenal tumors.

Who might need this test?

Doctors might order this test if there are symptoms suggesting hormonal imbalances, such as:

Unusual hair growth
Irregular menstrual cycles
Severe acne
Other signs that might suggest adrenal gland issues or PCOS

What type of sample is required for this test?

0.5 mL of frozen serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel) is needed for this test.

Test Resources

Not available.

Average sample processing time

3–5 business 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

Health categories

Patient instructions

Overnight fasting is recommended but not required.

Fasting before a blood draw means you don't eat or drink anything except water.
Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.

Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:

Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)

Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
Collection Instructions:

Bring a valid ID.
Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.

Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide

Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy

Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
Collection Instructions:

Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.

More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide

In-office phlebotomy instructions

Specimen

Preferred Specimen(s): 0.5 mL frozen serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)
Alternative: NA
Minimum Volume: 0.3 mL
Collection Instructions: NA

Storage and shipping instructions