24-Hour Total Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) Urine Collection
This test measures the total amount of DHEAS, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, over a 24-hour period in your urine. It helps assess adrenal function and hormone balance.
["Measures adrenal hormone output over a full day to check for hormone imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55815-5
- Short code
- DHEA 24h Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- DHEA 24h Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order a 24-hour DHEAS urine test to evaluate adrenal gland health, detect hormonal imbalances, or investigate symptoms like fatigue, irregular periods, or signs of adrenal insufficiency or hyperandrogenism. It’s particularly useful in diagnosing conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal tumors.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after midnight on one day and ending just after midnight the next. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results. You may be given a clean container to use.
What Happens During the Test
After completing the urine collection, your sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. The lab will measure the total DHEAS concentration in your urine over the 24-hour period using specialized techniques like chromatography or immunoassay.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to reference ranges that vary by age, sex, and health status. Low levels may suggest adrenal gland problems, while high levels could indicate conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or androgen excess. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
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.
Clinical Significance
Short name
24h DHEAS Urine
Frequently asked questions
What questions might you have about this test?
Yes, avoid certain medications (like some steroids or hormonal treatments) that could affect hormone levels. Also, drink plenty of water to ensure proper urine flow, but avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, as they may influence results. Follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions.
Results are typically ready within 1 to 2 weeks after the lab processes your sample. Your doctor will contact you once they are available, so check in with them if you haven’t heard back sooner.
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