16-Alpha-Hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, 24-Hour Urine — Z-Score
Measures 24-hour urinary 16α-OH-DHEA and expresses the result as a standardized score to help assess adrenal androgen production.
["This test helps evaluate adrenal hormone production when signs of excess androgen activity are present."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95564-1
- Short code
- 16A OH-DHEA 24h Z-score Ur
- Synonyms
- 16A OH-DHEA 24h Z-score Ur
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 135
- Ref high
- 980
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82626
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
16-alpha-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, or 16α-OH-DHEA, is an adrenal steroid. This test measures how much of it is excreted in urine over 24 hours and reports the result as a Z-score, which compares the measurement with an appropriate reference population.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be used to help evaluate excess androgen production, especially in people with symptoms such as irregular periods, increased facial or body hair, acne, or other signs of hormonal imbalance. It is usually interpreted together with symptoms, medical history, and other hormone tests.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, usually starting in the morning. The laboratory measures 16α-OH-DHEA in the collection and calculates a standardized Z-score using its reference data.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional, including the exact start and end times. Keep the container refrigerated if instructed, record any missed urine, and return the complete collection promptly.
Reference range
NCBI: DHEA-S Male 135-980 µg/dL; Female 30-260 µg/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher-than-expected result may indicate increased production or excretion of adrenal androgens. This can occur with benign hormonal changes, certain adrenal or ovarian conditions, or enzyme-related adrenal disorders. The result should not be used alone to diagnose a condition because collection accuracy, medication use, age, and other hormonal findings can affect interpretation.
Short name
24-Hour Urine 16α-OH-DHEA Z-Score
Frequently asked questions
What does a Z-score mean?
Do I need a blood test as well?
Can medications affect the result?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy