16-Alpha-Hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, 24-Hour Urine — Excretion Rate
Measures how much 16-alpha-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone your body releases into urine over 24 hours to help assess adrenal steroid production.
["This test measures 24-hour urinary excretion of 16-OH-DHEA, an adrenal steroid that may be evaluated when excess androgen production is suspected."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73845-0
- Short code
- 16A OH-DHEA 24h Ur-sRate
- Synonyms
- 16A OH-DHEA 24h Ur-sRate
- 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 the amount of 16-alpha-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, also called 16-OH-DHEA, excreted in urine over 24 hours. It is a specialized test used to evaluate adrenal steroid production and the androgen pathway.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test for a child with early or atypical signs of puberty, unexpected virilization, or other concerns about excess androgen production. It may also be used in the evaluation of certain disorders affecting adrenal steroid synthesis.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, usually from the time of your first morning void through the corresponding time the next day. The laboratory measures the amount of 16-OH-DHEA in the collection and may account for the total urine volume when reporting the excretion rate.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection container and schedule provided by your laboratory or clinician. Record the start and end times and the total urine volume, keep the container closed and refrigerated if instructed, and return the complete collection within the specified time.
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
24-Hour Urine 16-OH-DHEA
Frequently asked questions
Does this test require a timed urine collection?
What does a high 16-OH-DHEA result mean?
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