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Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-Sulfate)

Principle

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is a steroid synthesized primarily by the adrenal gland. In tissues containing sulfatase activity, DHEA-S can be converted into free DHEA. Both DHEA and DHEA-S may be further metabolized into active androgens and estrogens.

Serum and plasma DHEA-S concentrations are the highest of all steroids. Levels peak during the third decade of life and decline with age in both sexes. The half-life of DHEA-S (8–10 hours) is significantly longer than that of other androgens (30–60 minutes). Its long half-life and minimal diurnal variation make DHEA-S a useful marker of adrenal androgen production.

Clinical applications include evaluation of Cushing’s syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors, and hirsutism. Elevated DHEA-S in hirsute women suggests a virilizing adrenal tumor. Increased DHEA-S may also be seen in polycystic ovary syndrome, indicating adrenal androgen excess.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Serum (red-top tube with no additive or serum separator tube, SST)

Collection

Separate serum from clot as soon as possible to prevent hemolysis.

Storage and Transport

Store/transport at 15–30°C for ≤8 hours; 2–8°C for ≤48 hours; freeze at ≤ –20°C if delayed. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.

Unacceptable Specimens

Hemolyzed or unseparated specimens.

Method

Enhanced chemiluminescence

Normal Range

Age	Male	Female
<1 Month	≤316	15–261
1–6 Months	≤58	≤74
7–11 Months	≤26	≤26
1–3 Years	≤15	≤22
4–6 Years	≤27	≤34
7–9 Years	≤91	≤92
10–13 Years	≤138	≤148
14–17 Years	38–340	37–307
18–21 Years	24–537	51–321
22–30 Years	85–690	18–391
31–40 Years	106–464	23–266
41–50 Years	70–495	19–231
51–60 Years	38–313	8–188
61–70 Years	24–244	12–133
≥71 Years	5–253	7–177

Turnaround Time

3 days

References

Meikle AW, Daynes RA, Araneo BA. Adrenal androgen secretion and biologic effects. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 1991;20(2):381–400.
Helzlsouer KJ, Gordon GB, Alberg AJ, Bush TL, Comstock GW. Relationship of prediagnostic DHEA and DHEA-S levels to risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Cancer Res. 1992;52(1):1–4.

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