6-Alpha-Hydroxytestosterone, 2 Days Post-Dexamethasone — 24-Hour Urine, Mass Concentration
A 24-hour urine measurement of 6-alpha-hydroxytestosterone, collected 2 days after prescribed dexamethasone, helps assess adrenal steroid production and suppression.
["This specialized urine test measures a steroid metabolite after dexamethasone and is usually ordered to evaluate adrenal hormone production."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57603-3
- Short code
- 6A-OH-THS 2D p Dex 24h Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- 6A-OH-THS 2D p Dex 24h Ur-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 6-alpha-hydroxytestosterone, a metabolite of adrenal steroid hormones, in all urine collected over 24 hours. The collection is timed for 2 days after a prescribed dose of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used in adrenal function testing.
Why might I need this test?
This specialized test may be used to investigate adrenal steroid production or how the adrenal glands respond to dexamethasone suppression. It is generally ordered by an endocrinologist and interpreted together with cortisol, ACTH, and other steroid measurements.
How is the test performed?
Urine is collected into a special container for 24 hours, with the collection period matching the timing specified by the ordering clinician. The laboratory then measures the amount of 6-alpha-hydroxytestosterone in the collected urine.
How do I prepare for the test?
Take dexamethasone and other medications exactly as prescribed, and do not stop or reschedule doses without medical guidance. Record the collection start and finish times, keep the container refrigerated if instructed, and bring the complete specimen to the laboratory.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An abnormal result may indicate altered adrenal steroid synthesis or an unexpected response to dexamethasone suppression. The result must be interpreted with the collection timing, medication doses, symptoms, and related adrenal tests because this test alone does not establish a diagnosis.
Short name
24-Hour Urine 6-Alpha-Hydroxytestosterone
Frequently asked questions
Why is a 24-hour urine collection used?
Why is the test collected 2 days after dexamethasone?
What happens if part of the urine collection is missed?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy