Description
DHEA-S, produced in the adrenal cortex from its precursor cholesterol, is an inactive precursor steroid, which is converted into potent androgens and / or estrogens in peripheral tissues. Maximal values of circulating DHEA-S are reached between the ages of 20 and 30 years. Thereafter, serum DHEA-S levels decrease markedly.
Indications
Clinically, only increased levels of DHEA-S are of importance. Measurement of DHEA-S is used in the differential diagnosis of hirsutism and virilism. It is also of use in cases of hyper-prolactinaemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, androgenisation and the exclusion of androgen secreting adrenal tumours. Other conditions in which elevated DHEA-S levels are found include adreno-genital syndrome and adrenal hyperplasia.
Sample Type, Quantity & Conditions
1 ml Serum 1 ml K3-EDTA or Na, Li, NH4+-Heparin, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Oxalate, or Sodium Fluoride Plasma Stability: 2 Days at 2-8 °C 2 Months at -20 °C
Special Precautions
Freeze only once.
Normal Range
10-14 Years: 33.9-280 µg/dL 0.92-7.60 µmol/L 15-19 Years: 65.1-368 µg/dL 1.77-9.99 µmol/L 20-24 Years: 148-407 µg/dL 4.02-11.00 µmol/L 25-34 Years: 98.8-340 µg/dL 2.68-9.23 µmol/L 35-44 Years: 60.9-337 µg/dL 1.65-9.15 µmol/L 45-54 Years: 35.4-256 µg/dL 0.96-6.95 µmol/L 55-64 Years: 18.9-205 µg/dL 0.51-5.56 µmol/L 65-74 Years: 9.40-246 µg/dL 0.26-6.68 µmol/L ≥ 75 Years: 12.0-154 µg/dL 0.33-4.18 µmol/L