: DHEA Sulfate, 24-Hour Urine, Rate Measurement
: This test measures the rate at which DHEA sulfate (a steroid hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands) is excreted in urine collected over 24 hours. It can help evaluate adrenal gland function.
[": A 24-hour urine DHEA sulfate rate gives your care team a view of adrenal hormone production over a full day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57790-8
- Short code
- DHEA 2D p Dex 24h Ur-mRate
- Synonyms
- DHEA 2D p Dex 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
: What Is Being Measured
: DHEA sulfate, often called DHEA-S, is a hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands. This test measures how much DHEA-S passes into your urine over a 24-hour period and reports it as a rate of excretion.
: Why This Test Is Ordered
: Your clinician may order this test to investigate possible adrenal gland problems, such as unusually high or low hormone production, or to help explain symptoms like early puberty, excess hair growth, or unexplained fatigue. It is one part of a broader evaluation.
: How the 24-Hour Collection Works
: You will be given a container and instructions to collect all of your urine for a full 24-hour period, usually starting after the first morning void and ending with the first void the next morning. Collecting all of the urine is important because the result depends on the total volume produced.
: What Results Can Mean
: Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms, other hormone tests, and imaging. Values outside the expected range may point to increased or decreased adrenal hormone production, but they do not diagnose a condition on their own. Your clinician will explain what your result means for you.
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.
: DHEA-S is a key marker of adrenal androgen production. Measuring its 24-hour urinary excretion rate can support evaluation of adrenal disorders, but results must be interpreted in context and are not diagnostic by themselves. No single numeric range applies to everyone.
Short name
: DHEA-S 24h Urine
Frequently asked questions
: Do I need to fast or change my medications before this test?
: What happens if I miss some urine during the collection?
: Is a 24-hour urine test better than a blood test for DHEA sulfate?
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