16b18diohdhea24hursrate
This test measures the amount of a specific DHEA metabolite in your urine collected over 24 hours, helping evaluate adrenal gland function.
{"Measures a DHEA metabolite in 24-hour urine collection","Helps assess adrenal gland and hormonal balance","Requires complete urine collection for accurate results","Used to diagnose certain hormonal disorders","Sample collected over 24 hours at home"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74505-9
- Short code
- 16-Beta,18-DiOH-DHEA 24h Ur
- Synonyms
- 16B,18-diOH-DHEA 24h Ur-sRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container (plastic, graduated)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.5
- Ref high
- 2.5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–100 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82626
- SNOMED
- 271577006
- Specimen volume
- Complete 24-hour collection, record total volume
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 16-Beta,18-dihydroxydehydroepiandrosterone test measures the amount of a specific metabolite (breakdown product) of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in your urine. DHEA is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. This test uses a 24-hour urine collection because hormone levels can vary throughout the day, and a longer collection provides a more accurate picture of your body's hormone production.
How is the test performed?
You will receive a special container from your healthcare provider. For 24 hours, you will collect all your urine in the container. This includes the first urine when you wake up on day one, but you exclude the first urine on day two. The container should be kept refrigerated during the collection period. After 24 hours, you return the complete container to the lab for analysis.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting a hormonal imbalance, such as unusual hair growth, menstrual irregularities, infertility, or adrenal gland disorders. It helps doctors understand how well your adrenal glands are functioning and whether your body is processing DHEA properly.
Reference range
0.5-2.5 moles/24 hours (adults)N/A
Collect all urine over a 24-hour period. Discard the first morning void and begin collection. Collect all subsequent voided urine including the first morning void of the second day. Record total volume. Keep container refrigerated during collection. Inform patient of collection start and end times.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens if I miss a urine collection during the 24 hours?
Can I take my medications during the collection period?
How long will it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy