16-Alpha-Hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate/Creatinine Ratio, Urine
This urine test measures 16α-hydroxy-DHEA sulfate relative to creatinine, helping evaluate adrenal androgen production while accounting for urine concentration.
["An elevated result may suggest increased adrenal androgen production, but it must be interpreted with other clinical findings and tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81801-3
- Short code
- 16A OH-DHEA/Creat Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- 16A OH-DHEA/Creat Ur-sRto
- 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?
This test measures the amount of 16α-hydroxy-DHEA sulfate in urine and compares it with the amount of creatinine. DHEA is a precursor in the production of sex hormones and other steroid hormones.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may use this specialized test when evaluating unusual androgen activity or certain adrenal and endocrine disorders. It is generally interpreted together with symptoms, medical history, and other hormone tests rather than as a stand-alone screening test.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is tested for 16α-hydroxy-DHEA sulfate and creatinine, and the results are used to calculate their ratio. Depending on the laboratory, a spot, first-morning, or timed urine collection may be requested.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory, including the required type and timing of the urine sample. Fasting is usually not required, but medications, supplements, and conditions such as puberty or pregnancy can affect the result and should be discussed with your clinician.
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 ratio may occur when adrenal androgen production is increased, as can be seen with some adrenal tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or polycystic ovary syndrome. Results also vary with age, puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and medications, so an abnormal result is not diagnostic by itself and should be interpreted by a clinician.
Short name
Urinary 16α-Hydroxy-DHEA-S/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does the urine ratio measure?
Why is creatinine included in the test?
What can 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