###1: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 24-hour urine, mass concentration
###3: This test measures the amount of DHEA, an adrenal hormone with androgenic activity, collected in urine over 24 hours. A 24-hour collection can help assess the body’s overall excretion of DHEA.
["###4: The result is most useful when interpreted with symptoms, medical history, and other hormone tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57787-4
- Short code
- DHEA Pre Dex 24h Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- DHEA Pre Dex 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
###5: What this test measures
###6: DHEA is produced mainly by the adrenal glands. This test measures its concentration in a complete 24-hour urine collection, providing information about how much DHEA the body is releasing and excreting.
###7: How the urine is collected
###8: Urine is collected for a full 24 hours, usually beginning in the morning. The container and collection instructions should be followed exactly, and the total urine volume and collection period are recorded so the laboratory can calculate the result appropriately.
###9: Why the test may be ordered
###10: A 24-hour urine DHEA test may be used to evaluate androgen production or excretion in people with hormonal symptoms, irregular menstrual cycles, acne, increased body hair, or other concerns. It may also be used alongside other tests when evaluating adrenal or reproductive hormonal disorders.
###11: Understanding an abnormal result
###12: Results that are higher or lower than expected may reflect normal biological variation, changes in adrenal function, medication effects, or differences in urine collection. A clinician should interpret the result with related hormones, symptoms, and examination findings.
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: DHEA is an adrenal androgen, and altered urinary excretion can occur with hormonal disorders, ovarian dysfunction, adrenal abnormalities, and certain medicines or supplements. Because DHEA changes with age and has substantial day-to-day variation, a single result should not be used to diagnose a condition without clinical correlation.
Short name
###2: 24-hour urine DHEA
Frequently asked questions
###14: Is this the same as a serum DHEA test?
###16: Why is a 24-hour collection needed?
###18: Can medications or supplements 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