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Test Code
DHEA
Test Name
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
CPT Codes
82626
Expected Turnaround Time
3 - 7 days
Clinical Utility

DHEA is a weakly androgenic steroid that is useful when congenital adrenal hyperplasia is suspected. It is also useful in determining the source of androgens in hyperandrogenic conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and adrenal tumors.
Specimen and Container Info

Preferred Specimen Type: Serum

Alternate Specimen Type: Plasma

Preferred Collection Container: Red Top, Plain

Alternate Collection Container: Lavender Top (EDTA), or Royal Blue Top (EDTA), or Green Top (Sodium or Lithium Heparin)

Desired Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions
  1. Collect a red top, plain tube via venipuncture.
Processing and Submission Instructions
  1. Separate serum from cells.
  2. Transfer 0.5 mL of serum to a clear aliquot tube (screw cap) and freeze.
Patient Preparation

Overnight fasting is preferred.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory frozen. 
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

6 hours

Refrigerated

72 hours

Frozen

90 days
Causes for Rejection
  • Gross hemolysis
  • Serum separator tube (SST)
Methodology
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Reference Intervals

See patient report.

Alternate Names
  • DHEA, (Dehydroepiandrosterone), Unconjugated
Reference Lab
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
Testing Schedule
Monday-Friday
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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