###1: Dehydroepiandrosterone [Mass/time] in 24-Hour Urine
###3: This test measures the amount of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) excreted in urine over a 24-hour period. DHEA is an androgen produced mainly by the adrenal glands.
["###4: The result reflects urinary DHEA excretion and may help assess adrenal androgen production when interpreted with symptoms and other hormone tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13612-7
- Short code
- DHEA 24h Ur-mRate
- Synonyms
- DHEA 24h Ur-mRate
- 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
###5: What This Test Measures
###6: DHEA is a steroid hormone that contributes to androgen activity. This test quantifies DHEA in all urine collected during a complete 24-hour period and reports the amount excreted per unit of time.
###7: How the Test Is Collected
###8: Urine is collected for 24 hours, usually from the time of the first morning void through the following morning. The collection container, timing, and any missed samples should be handled according to the laboratory's instructions.
###9: Why the Test May Be Ordered
###10: A clinician may order this test when evaluating signs of excess androgen production, unusual hirsutism or acne, menstrual changes, or possible adrenal hormone abnormalities. It is often interpreted alongside other hormones and clinical findings.
###11: Factors That Can Affect Results
###11: DHEA levels vary with age, sex, puberty, pregnancy, menstrual status, and adrenal function. Medications, supplements, incomplete urine collections, and heavy physical or emotional stress may also influence the result.
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.
###13: Clinical Significance: A 24-hour urine DHEA result can provide information about adrenal androgen production, but it is not a stand-alone diagnosis. Results should be interpreted by the ordering clinician in the context of symptoms, medication use, collection quality, and related laboratory tests. An isolated abnormal value may be confirmed or evaluated with additional testing.
Short name
###2: 24-Hour Urine DHEA
Frequently asked questions
###14: Why is a 24-hour urine collection used?
###16: What does a high urinary DHEA result mean?
###18: What can affect the urine DHEA 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