Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in serum/plasma
This test measures the level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), a hormone produced primarily in the adrenal glands. It reflects your body’s natural production of androgens, which are hormones important for health in both men and women.
["DHEAS helps assess adrenal gland function and hormone balance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2195-6
- Short code
- DHEA Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- DHEA 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
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order a DHEAS test to evaluate conditions affecting hormone production, such as adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, or adrenal tumors. It can also be used in the evaluation of hormonal imbalances, especially in cases of suspected androgen deficiency or excess.
What Does a Low or High DHEAS Level Mean?
Low levels of DHEAS might suggest adrenal gland problems, such as Addison’s disease, or other conditions that reduce hormone production. High levels could indicate conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or tumors in the adrenal glands. However, results alone do not diagnose a condition and should be interpreted with other clinical information.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate the serum or plasma, which is analyzed for DHEAS levels using a specialized laboratory technique, often immunoassay.
What Are Common Uses of DHEAS?
DHEAS is commonly used in the evaluation of hormonal disorders, including those related to adrenal function. It can also be part of broader assessments for conditions affecting hormone metabolism, such as in fertility evaluations or monitoring certain cancers that may produce hormones.
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.
Clinical significance: DHEAS levels can provide insight into adrenal health and androgen production. Abnormal results may prompt further testing or evaluation of underlying conditions affecting hormone balance, such as tumors, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
Short name
DHEAS
Frequently asked questions
What does a DHEAS test measure?
How long does it take to get results from a DHEAS test?
Can diet or supplements affect DHEAS levels?
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