Definition
DHEA-sulfate blood test measures the amount of DHEA-sulfate in the blood.
Alternative Names
Serum DHEA-sulfate; dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfateHow the test is performed
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to cause the vein to swell with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an airtight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or lancet. The blood will be collected in a small glass tube (pipette), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A cotton pad or bandage may be applied to the puncture site if bleeding does not stop quickly.
How to prepare for the test
No special preparation is necessary. However, be sure to tell your health care provider if you are taking any vitamin preparations or health supplements that happen to contain DHEA or DHEA-sulfate.
How the test will feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or sting. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performed
This test is used to evaluate the function of the adrenal glands. DHEA-sulfate is a weak androgen (male hormone) produced by the adrenal cortex in both men and women. The adrenal gland is one of the major sources of androgens in women (the other being the ovaries, which produce testosterone).
DHEA-sulfate is measured in women showing symptoms of virilism (male body characteristics) or hirsutism (excessive hair growth). It is also done in children who are maturing too early ( precocious puberty).
Normal Values
Normal values for serum DHEA sulfate vary with sex and age. The range of normal values may vary slightly among different laboratories.
Typical normal ranges for females are:
- Ages 18-29: 62-615 ug/dL
- Ages 30-39: 52-400 ug/dL
- Ages 40-49: 44-352 ug/dL
- Ages 50-59: 39-183 ug/dL
- Age 60 or older: 11-150 ug/dL
Typical normal ranges for males are:
- Ages 18-30: 125-619 ug/dL
- Ages 31-50: 59-452 ug/dL
- Ages 51-60: 20-413 ug/dL
- Ages 61-83: 10-285 ug/dL
Note: ug/dL = microgram per deciliter
What abnormal results mean
An increase in DHEA-sulfate may signify:
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Adrenal carcinoma
- Tumor of the adrenal gland
What the risks are
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
- Multiple punctures to locate veins
Special considerations
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
| • | Adrenal glands |
| • | Excessive or unwanted hair ... |
| • | Precocious puberty |
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, M.D., Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
