Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) concentration
This test measures the level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in your blood, a hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands. It helps assess adrenal function and can be useful in evaluating conditions related to hormone balance.
["DHEAS helps doctors check adrenal health and hormone production."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74361-7
- Short code
- DHEA Sal-sCnc
- Synonyms
- DHEA Sal-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 135
- Ref high
- 980
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82626
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order a DHEAS test to diagnose or monitor conditions such as adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, or to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or hormonal imbalances. It can also be part of a broader evaluation for hormonal disorders or before certain treatments.
What Does a Low or High DHEAS Level Mean?
Low DHEAS levels may suggest adrenal gland problems, such as Addison’s disease, or other conditions affecting hormone production. High levels could indicate overactivity of the adrenal glands or certain tumors. However, results alone aren’t diagnostic—they’re part of a larger clinical picture.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. You may need to fast for a few hours before the test, but your provider will give specific instructions. The blood is sent to a lab for analysis using a sensitive method to measure DHEAS concentration accurately.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is always required, but you might be asked to avoid certain medications or foods that could affect results. If you’re pregnant, have a chronic condition, or are on long-term medications, let your provider know before testing.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
DHEAS
Frequently asked questions
DHEAS is often used as a marker for adrenal function because it reflects the activity of the adrenal glands over time. It can help identify subtle hormonal imbalances that might not be detected by other tests alone. For example, it’s sometimes used in the evaluation of adrenal insufficiency or to monitor treatment responses in hormonal disorders.
Results are typically available within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you during your follow-up visit.
What if my DHEAS level is out of the expected range?
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