Dehydroepiandrosterone, Tetrahydrocortisol, and 5-Alpha-Tetrahydrocortisol, 24-Hour Urine
A 24-hour urine test that measures DHEA and two cortisol metabolites used to evaluate adrenal steroid production.
["This specialized test helps assess adrenal hormone production and may support evaluation of endocrine disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82878-0
- Short code
- DHEA/THE+THF+5a-THF 24h Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- DHEA/THE+THF+5a-THF 24h Ur-sRto
- Category
- liver
- 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 this test?
This test measures three substances in urine collected over 24 hours: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), tetrahydrocortisol, and 5-alpha-tetrahydrocortisol. DHEA is an adrenal androgen, while the other two are metabolites related to cortisol production.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this specialized test to investigate adrenal hormone production, particularly when evaluating possible adrenal enzyme disorders, androgen excess, or abnormal cortisol metabolism. The results are interpreted along with symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory tests.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a full 24-hour period in the container provided by the laboratory. The container may need to be refrigerated during collection and returned promptly with the requested laboratory information.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions carefully, including the exact start and end times. Do not omit urine from the collection period; if a sample is accidentally missed, contact the laboratory for guidance. Fasting is generally not required unless your clinician gives different instructions.
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.
Abnormal amounts or patterns of these adrenal steroids and metabolites may occur with adrenal gland disorders, steroid-metabolizing enzyme deficiencies, androgen excess, or disorders of cortisol production. A result should not be interpreted as a diagnosis by itself because urine levels can also be influenced by collection timing, medications, and other factors.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Adrenal Steroid Metabolites
Frequently asked questions
What does this test measure?
Why is urine collected for 24 hours?
What if I miss part of the urine collection?
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