Health Encyclopedia

DHEA-sulfate - serum

Definition

DHEA-sulfate blood test measures the amount of DHEA-sulfate in the blood.

Alternative Names

Serum DHEA-sulfate; dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate

How 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. Talk to your doctor about what your specific test results mean for you.

Typical normal ranges for females are:

Age 18-19: 145-395 ug/dL
Age 20-29: 65-380 ug/dL
Age 30-39: 45-270 ug/dL
Age 40-49: 32-240 ug/dL
Age 50-59: 26-200 ug/dL
Age 60-69: 13-130 ug/dL
Age 69 and older: 17-90 ug/dL

Typical normal ranges for males are:

Age 18-19: 108-441 ug/dL
Age 20-29: 280-640 ug/dL
Age 30-39: 120-520 ug/dL
Age 40-49: 95-530 ug/dL
Age 50-59: 70-310 ug/dL
Age 60-69: 42-290 ug/dL
Age 69 and older: 28-175 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.

Review Date:8/9/2007
Reviewed By:A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/25/2006).

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