Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) [Mass/Time] in 24-Hour Urine
This test measures the amount of DHEA-S, an adrenal steroid hormone, released in the urine over a 24-hour period. It may be used as part of an evaluation of adrenal hormone production.
["The result reflects DHEA-S excretion over 24 hours and must be interpreted using the collection quality and your clinical context."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2192-3
- Short code
- DHEA-S 24h Ur-mRate
- Synonyms
- DHEA-S 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 the Test Measures
DHEA-S is a sulfated form of dehydroepiandrosterone, an androgen precursor made primarily by the adrenal glands. A 24-hour urine test measures the amount excreted during the entire collection period.
How the Test Is Collected
You collect all urine for 24 hours in the container provided by the laboratory, following its storage and submission instructions. Incomplete collections or missed urine can make the result less reliable.
Why the Test May Be Ordered
A clinician may order this test when evaluating an imbalance in adrenal steroid production, including concerns involving androgen excess or unusual adrenal findings. It is usually interpreted with other hormones, symptoms, and examination findings.
Factors That Can Affect the Result
Age, sex, adrenal function, menstrual status, medications, and changes in urine output can affect DHEA-S excretion. The laboratory’s collection instructions and the clinician’s interpretation are important when reviewing 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.
An elevated or decreased 24-hour urine DHEA-S result may reflect increased or reduced adrenal steroid production, but it does not identify a specific condition by itself. Results should be compared with the laboratory’s reference information and interpreted alongside other endocrine tests and clinical findings.
Short name
24-Hour Urine DHEA-S
Frequently asked questions
What does a 24-hour urine DHEA-S test measure?
How do I collect a 24-hour urine sample?
Does an abnormal result diagnose an adrenal disorder?
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